P6153

ST. LOUIS BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY
INSTRUCTION
ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY
Instructional Arrangements
Educational Field Experiences

The Board of Education recognizes the value of educational field activities that enhance the program of instruction and add to the education of students. Field trips may be authorized by the superintendent or designee when the activities contribute to the achievement of educational goals. All field trips should be planned with an educational purpose and with regard to a unit of study.

To be educationally beneficial, a field trip requires thoughtful selection, careful advanced preparation, and opportunities for students to assimilate the experience. To this end, teachers and principals will be acted to consider the following factors:

The value of the activity to the group or groups.

The relationship of the activity to a particular aspect of classroom instruction.

The suitability of the activity and distance traveled in terms of the age level of students.

The mode and availability of transportation.

The cost of the excursion.

Because of the increased cost of transportation, all field trips should be carefully scrutinized by the administration.


Policy adopted: June 26, 1990

Revised: December 07, 1999


R6153

ST. LOUIS BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULATION
INSTRUCTION
ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND SECONDARY
Instructional Arrangements
Educational Field Experiences

Field trips are extensions of the classroom. When properly used, this method of instruction will aid the school system in reaching its goal of academic excellence.

All field trips require that a letter be sent home detailing objectives, itinerary, approximate time frame, means of transportation, and rules regarding the field trip. A parent consent form must be sent home also.

Students who do not return a signed parent consent form will not be allowed to participate.

Subject to the approval of the principal and the limitations expressed in this regulation, a teacher may take a group of students to places of educational interest within the local school district, provided that the activity does not require transportation.

If the trip requires transportation or requires taking students outside the district, the associate superintendent for site support/instructional and leadership shall receive and approve a written request submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance.

Each request should specify the purpose of the activity, the date, time, place, and the means of transportation. If transportation is required, school buses conforming to the requirements of Sections 309.050 and 309.060 RSMO. must be used, except in cases involving other transportation as specifical2-17 included in the Board of Education policy guidelines applicable to liability coverage (See Regulation R4770). The principal and the associate superintendent for site support/instructional and leadership will see that there is adequate supervision for each field trip.


Educational Field Experiences (continued) R6153

Before the field trip, teachers will explain the rules to students and supervising adults. Teacher and other school district personnel shall use reasonable care in providing for the safety of students during field trips.

With the exception of special programs designated by the superintendent or designee , field trips that involve transportation by water or air, the exploration of underground caves, or travel beyond 100 miles of St. Louis will be reserved for grades four (4) through twelve (12). Where underground caves are involved, field activities will be limited to caves that are open to the public, as opposed to unexplored caves. With the exception of special programs, no student will be allowed in the water.


References

cf: Policy and Regulation 4770

Legal: Sections 309.050 – 309.060 RSMo.

Regulation approved: June 26, 1990

Revised: December 07, 1999


 
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