ACADEMIC INITIATIVE. 1. The purpose of academic initiative is to provide the student with the advantages and benefits of the special skills and techniques that an individual instructor may have to offer. It is agreed that the joint development of the curriculum guide by teachers and administrators is beneficial to the school system. It is further agreed that the teachers will continue to have the opportunity to participate in the development and preparation of the curriculum, subject to the final determination by the administration. Teachers will be allowed considerable latitude within a curriculum guideline to work out methods of presentation and are permitted to innovate and use such techniques, instructional materials, and resources as might seem appropriate to the instructor in meeting the needs of the students, compatible with the continuity of the curriculum guide. Presentations that may involve controversial issues should be planned by the individual teacher and then discussed with the administration before they are initiated in the classroom. This provides dual protection for both the teacher and the administration.
