Policy 609-R Commercial Media Use Regulations

At times, staff may want to utilize materials that are not a part of the building or district collection. Commercial media used in the classroom should be:

A. Directly related to the curriculum – means that materials used in the classroom should relate to what is currently being taught.

B. Age Appropriate – means that the ratings codes on commercial films (G, PG, PG13, R) should be followed for the students viewing the entire film. It is important to send letters to parents well in advance of showing any clips or film that may be questionable.

C. In compliance with copyright laws – means that rented/downloaded, streamed videos have the appropriate rights to be shown in classrooms or used as part of a “planned, systematic, direct instructional activities.” Off-air tapes are within the “fair use” guidelines. Duplicated or copied video may be used only if they were duplicated with the permission of the producer.

D. Teachers who believe that materials which do not fit these criteria would be appropriate for use in their classroom should discuss their needs with their building principal. The building principal may ask the assistance of the building library media specialist or district technology staff to review the materials to deem their appropriateness for use in the classroom.

E. In this time when students have ready access to movies/video, via on demand, cell phone, downloads, etc., it is seldom necessary to show an entire feature film. It is recommended to show appropriate clips only. An example of an exception may be a Shakespearean play when it is appropriate for students to try to understand the entire context of the work of literature.