Policy 7463: Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings (Rules)

The use of films, DVD’s, VOD’s and videotapes in school are subject to the following regulations: 

1. All films, DVD’s, VOD’s and videotapes must be carefully previewed and evaluated by the teacher and be determined to meet identified learning objectives and exit outcomes before they are used with students. 
2. In general, copyright guidelines permit in-classroom use of copyrighted video tape/DVD/VOD when it is used for instructional purposes in a teaching situation, as is a lawfully made copy.* 
   • The school setting has been defined as a “semi-public performance.” Therefore, public performance rights are reserved for the copyright owner or those given permission. 
   • Videotapes or DVD’s marketed for “home use” does not have the rights granted for public performance. Rented films that include a notice that the film is intended for “home use only” or “private use only” shall not be shown to a class for entertainment purposes. 
3. Non-profit education institutions generally may use videotapes or DVD’s in the course of “face-to-face” teaching activities, without the need to obtain consent from the copyright owner if the following permissible guidelines are met:  
   • The video or DVD is a legally obtained lawful copy. 
   • The video or DVD must be used in the course of “face-to-face” teaching activities. 
   • The video or DVD activity must be carried out by an instructor or student. 
   • The video or DVD activity must be carried out in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction. 
   • All video or DVD programming obtained from commercial sources outside the school’s purchasing procedure through rental; lease or purchase must be approved for classroom use by the Principal.  
4. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall receive one weeks advanced written notice when teachers plan to use commercial video recording or DVD’s that are rated PG with elementary students, PG-13 with middle school students or R with high school students under the age of 18. Such notice shall include an accurate description of the contents of the video or DVD recording and where it may be obtained for parent(s)/guardian(s) review.  
5. Other media such as CD-ROM, laser disc and audiotapes, while not a part of the video rating system, should be selected and used applying the same criteria as videotapes. 
6. Video tapes or DVD’s may not be used for recreation, entertainment or for other instructional purposes not previously planned.