Randolph Township Schools

Film Procedure
It is the policy of Randolph Township Schools to assure that educational time in a classroom is spent
wisely. The district understands that movies, videos, DVDs, and other multimedia (referred to as
films in this policy) can be valuable in the educational process.
Purpose: The district aims to ensure that the use of film is effectively used in achieving legitimate
educational objectives that supplement approved course curriculum.
Guidelines:
1. The showing of film SEGMENT must be limited to a specific educational purpose. When film is used
in a classroom during instructional time, it must relate to specific curriculum standards and be an
essential component of the instructional plan.
2. All films must be previewed by the teacher before use in the classroom.
3. When using film, the general selection criteria must include the following:
a. Fair and accurate representation of the facts;
b. The reputation and significance of the writer, director, and/or performer; and
c. Critical acclaim and or quality of the work itself.
4. Films shown in their entirety, or clips in excess of 15 minutes during a class period, will need to be
approved in advance by a supervisor or building administrator via the districts film approval form.
5. Short segments of film (15 minutes or less), used as an anticipatory set, to introduce a lesson,
provide closure, etc., will not be subject to administrative approval, provided the clip meets all other
criteria.

Age Appropriateness:
Teachers must exercise discretion when showing films to students. The following are guidelines for film
use in class:
G rated films may be shown in grades K-12
PG films may be shown in grades 6-12
PG-13 films may be shown in grades 9-12
R rated films should be used with discretion and only with administrator and parental approval in
grades 9-12
Opt-Out Opportunity:
If the ages of students fall outside the recommended guidelines of the Motion Picture Association of
America (outlined above), parents and students must be provided an opt-out opportunity. Films that
are included in a board approved curriculum are excluded. If an opt-out opportunity is warranted:
1. Teachers must notify parents of the film that will be shown in the classroom and given the
opportunity to opt their child out of viewing.
2. Teachers must provide a lesson alternative aligned to the same standards and objectives
for children who have opted out.
3. Opt-out children should be treated discreetly and with respect.

FILM APPROVAL FORM

Please submit this form to your supervisor at least one week in advance for approval.
TEACHER: ________________________________

DATE: __________________________

COURSE: _________________________________
TITLE OF FILM: ______________________________________________________________________
YEAR FILM WAS PRODUCED: ________________

RATING OF FILM: _____________________

IF NEEDED, WAS PARENT PERMISSION OBTAINED TO VIEW FILM: ________

TOTAL CLASS TIME ALLOTTED TO THE VIEWING OF THE FILM: __________

FILM TIES TO COMMON CORE AND NEW JERSEY CORE CONTENT STANDARDS:

RATIONALE FOR SHOWING THE FILM:

BRIEF SUMMARY OF FILM:

PRE-VIEWING ACTIVITIES:

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE VIEWING OF THE FILM:

POST- VIEWING ACTIVITIES:

ASSESSMENT OF FILM CONTENT:

OPT-OUT ASSIGNMENT ACTIVITY (if applicable):