PI49 Use of Videos and Other Instructional Audiovisual Media

Criteria for Use of Videos and Other Instructional Audiovisual Media

All use of videos and other audiovisual media shall comply with all copyright laws and regulations. Teachers or other staff members using video or audiovisual media shall be responsible for following all district procedures and state and federal laws regarding their use. Video or audiovisual media, if used, shall be an integral part of standards-based instruction. Use of personal streaming video subscriptions in the classroom is forbidden.

Albuquerque Public Schools shall not extend legal or insurance protection to any employee who violates copyright law or regulations.

In addition, for all use of video and other instructional audiovisual media, consider the following:

Capacity of the video or instructional audiovisual media to support the curriculum.
Capacity to reach the personal interest level and ability of students.
Importance of the subject matter.
Age appropriateness using Motion Picture Association of America guidelines where applicable and reviews from other recognized sources.

Procedures for Using All Videos/DVDs and Other Instructional Media

All use of videos and other audiovisual media shall comply with all copyright laws and regulations. Teachers or other staff members using video or audiovisual media shall be responsible for following all district procedures and state and federal laws regarding their use. Video or audiovisual media, if used, shall be an integral part of standards-based instruction. Use of personal streaming video subscriptions in the classroom is forbidden.

Albuquerque Public Schools shall not extend legal or insurance protection to any employee who violates copyright law or regulations.

In addition, for all use of video and other instructional audiovisual media, consider the following:
- Capacity of the video or instructional audiovisual media to support the curriculum.
- Capacity to reach the personal interest level and ability of students.
- Importance of the subject matter.
- Age appropriateness using Motion Picture Association of America guidelines where applicable and reviews from other recognized sources.

Additional Procedures for Use of Videos/DVDs Rated by the Motion Picture Association of America

The ratings used by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) shall be one consideration of several in connection with the other selection criteria. If using an MPAA rated video, the following additional guidelines must also be followed:

Parents/guardians shall receive one week advance written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video recordings that are rated PG with elementary students, PG 13 with middle school students, or PG 13 or R with high school students. Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents and instructional purpose of the video recording and where it may be obtained/rented for parent/guardian review. Teachers shall notify the school’s Principal at least 10 days in advance of showing a PG 13 or R rated video.
- G - No signed permission form is necessary.
- PG - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 13. If requested for use in an elementary school, the principal will ask a committee to review the use of the video prior to granting permission.
- PG 13 - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 14. If requested for use in a middle school, the Principal will ask a committee to review the use of the video prior to granting permission. (Use of PG 13 videos is limited to middle and high schools.)
- R - A signed parental permission form is required for all students. The Principal will ask a committee to review the proposed video before granting permission. (Use of R-videos is limited to high schools only.)
- NC 17 - Use of videos rated NC 17 by the Motion Picture Association of America is prohibited.

Video and Audiovisual Media Review Committees

Parents/guardians shall receive one week advance written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video recordings that are rated PG with elementary students, PG 13 with middle school students, or PG 13 or R with high school students. Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents and instructional purpose of the video recording and where it may be obtained/rented for parent/guardian review. Teachers shall notify the school’s Principal at least 10 days in advance of showing a PG 13 or R rated video.
- G - No signed permission form is necessary.
- PG - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 13. If requested for use in an elementary school, the principal will ask a committee to review the use of the video prior to granting permission.
- PG 13 - A signed parental permission form is required for students under age 14. If requested for use in a middle school, the Principal will ask a committee to review the use of the video prior to granting permission. (Use of PG 13 videos is limited to middle and high schools.)
- R - A signed parental permission form is required for all students. The Principal will ask a committee to review the proposed video before granting permission. (Use of R-videos is limited to high schools only.)
- NC 17 - Use of videos rated NC 17 by the Motion Picture Association of America is prohibited.

Alternative Assignments

If it is established that a student or parent/guardian objects as a matter of principle to the viewing of a particular video, a meaningful alternative and related activity will be assigned without penalty or embarrassment to the student.

Alternative assignments shall consist of useful work related to valid instructional goals. They may not be punitive or burdensome in length of time or type of work required.

Parents may be asked to assist in designing an alternative assignment.

Administrative Position:

Chief of Schools

Department Director:

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

References:

Legal Cross Ref.:

Board Policy Cross Ref.:

Procedural Directive Cross Ref.: Copyright Compliance

Forms:

Parental Permission for Student Viewing of PG Videos and DVDs – Elementary School Level
Parental Permission for Student Viewing of PG 13 Videos and DVDS – Middle School Level
Parental Permission for Student Viewing of R Rated Videos and DVDs – High School Level
Parental Permission for Student Viewing of Non-Rated Videos and DVDs

NSBA/NEPN Classification: IJL

Revised:    May 1995
Revised:    April 1996
Revised:    May 1997
Revised:    August 2004
Reviewed: March 9, 2016
Revised: March 18, 2016
Reviewed: January 5, 2023
Revised: January 20, 2023

This page was last updated on: December 9, 2009.