File:  IHACA* - Law-Related Education

NOTE: Colorado school districts are strongly encouraged to implement a law-related education program pursuant to the requirements of C.R.S. 22-25-104.5. This sample contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of a law-related education program to enhance student awareness about the law, the legal system and the fundamental principles and values upon which our constitutional democracy is based. Other goals of the program shall be to promote responsible citizenship and encourage students to resist anti-social gang behavior and substance abuse.

The program shall include relevant curriculum materials, interactive teaching strategies and extensive use of community resource persons and expertise. The program shall include instruction on the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and may include instruction in:

1. Rights and responsibility of citizenship.

2. Foundations and principles of American constitutional democracy.

3. Role of law in American society.

4. Organization and purpose of legal and political systems.

5. Disposition to abide by law.

6. Opportunities for responsible participation.

7. Alternative dispute resolution including mediation and conflict resolution.

District personnel may prepare an annual report concerning the progress of the district in implementing law-related education. The report, if prepared, shall include an analysis of the effect of the law-related education program on the incidence of gang involvement and substance abuse by the students in the district.

The district shall provide opportunities for training instructors and administrators in gang awareness and substance abuse education in order to provide effective instruction to students concerning the dangers of gang involvement and substance abuse by the students in the district.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REF.: C.R.S. 22-25-104.5 (law-related education program)

CROSS REFS.: JICF, Secret Societies/Gang Activity

JICH, Drug and Alcohol Involvement by Students

[Reviewed May 2014]

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 1994