Education

Policy 1012 - Agencies in the Schools

Print Version: Agencies in the Schools pdf file

Date Passed: September 11, 2008

Cross Reference:
Volunteers in the Schools

Purpose:

This policy is intended to guide the response to agencies requesting approval to present information to students.

Definitions:

Agencies include any group or person with the express interest of relaying a message to students. School community includes, but is not limited to, students, parents, staff, school administration, temporary staff, visiting professionals, student teachers, School Councils, School Boards, School Committees and volunteers.

Principles:

The Department of Education supports:

  1. Teachers in their role to deliver public school curriculum;

  2. Use of community resources to enhance delivery of approved curriculum;

  3. Including presentations by agencies and groups with accurate and up-to-date information to assist teachers in the delivery of approved curriculum.

  4. Encouraging the discussion of ideas, theories or items of information which are linked to curriculum learning objectives.

Application:

This policy applies to all Yukon schools.

Standards and Procedures:

  1. School Committees of an agency’s planned visit to the school and give the opportunity to review material to be presented to students.

  2. Parents and guardians have the right to excuse their child from participating in presentations from agencies. Alternate supervised activities, relevant to the curriculum, will be offered for those students who have been excused from presentations.

  3. Agencies are required to contact the Department of Education, Director of Programs and Services to request approval to present on Yukon-wide issues, and the Director will make a decision on approval.

  4. The Director will review all materials to ensure the material contains a clear balance of views and will be fair, objective and free from bias or propaganda and have a clear link to approved curriculum and defined learning objectives.

  5. The Director may develop a list of approved agencies.

  6. The School Administrator will determine if the agency information is appropriate to the school’s instructional philosophy and for the age, emotional development, learning style and needs of the students.

  7. The School Administrator will have the final decision as to whether an agency presents information to the students.

  8. Upon arrival, agency representatives and volunteers will report to the school office.

Supervision:

It is the responsibility of teachers and administrators to ensure that students are supervised by a school staff member when agencies and individuals are in the classroom or school presenting.

Contact - Policy

Director
Policy, Planning & Evaluation
Department of Education
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Tel: (867) 667-8181
Toll Free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408, local 8181
Fax: (867) 456-6788
contact.education@gov.yk.ca