The Board of Trustees supports the right of students to refrain from participating in instruction which involves dissecting or otherwise harming or destroying animals when they have a moral objection to such activities.
Students shall not be discriminated against because of a decision to exercise this right. (Education Code 32255.1)
After notifying the teacher of his/her objection pursuant to law and administrative regulations, the student shall be excused from the project and may be provided an appropriate alternative project. The Board encourages staff, whenever possible, to provide an alternative project that teaches the same knowledge and skills as the original project. In any case, staff shall ensure the effective use of students' time by providing instructional activities relevant to the course of study.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
32255-32255.6 Student's right to refrain from harmful or destructive use of animals
48980-48985 Notification of parents/guardians, especially:
48980 Parental notification at beginning of term
51540 Humane treatment of animals
Management Resources:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS
Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade 12, 2004
Science Content Standards for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade 12, 1998
WEB SITES
California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov
Policy VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: February 17, 2011 Vista, California