EE. Programs and Curricula from Corporate Sources
1. Programs/Curricula Offered Within the Instructional Day
The NLTA believes that programs or curricula promoted by private enterprise, which have not been authorized by the Department of Education, should only become part of the schools’ offerings under the following conditions:
a) All programs and curricula intended for classroom use shall be subjected to a rigorous evaluation and accepted only upon recommendation by appropriate program development specialists at the Department of Education and/or program implementation specialists at school district offices.
b) Programs and curricula utilized by the school or district shall be taught only by certified teachers who have been hired by school districts in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement.
c) Parents and/or students shall not be expected to pay additional private fees, either directly or indirectly to a private company, to access any programs which meet the outcomes of the authorized provincial curriculum, when these programs are offered through the school during the regular instructional day.
d) Such programs and curricula shall contain no advertising of any kind as this would constitute commercial exploitation of children. The names of sponsors of curricular supplements should be stated clearly on all packaging and teacher directed materials. However, student materials shall not display corporate logos or brand names.
e) Programs or curricula which have passed the necessary rigorous evaluation process should be made available on an equitable basis to all students who can benefit from these programs, and not only to those who can financially afford access.
2. Programs /Curricula Offered Outside the Instructional Day, Which Meet the Outcomes of the Authorized Provincial Curriculum
a) All programs and curricula from corporate sources, offered outside the instructional day, shall undergo an accreditation process and licensing procedure administered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
b) Teachers and administrators should not provide advice or feedback directly to corporations offering instructional programs outside the regular school day. Educators shall not divulge confidential information from school records regarding student progress, strengths and needs, or other informal and formal assessment information.
c) All such programs should be delivered by teachers who are certified to teach in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. [Apr/6-7/00] [JC Oct/00] [2001 BGM]
