(a) Each school shall develop a written mission statement and philosophy of education that addresses the accumulation of knowledge and development of skills, interests, appreciations, ideals, and attitudes within the school's total educational program. A statement of expected outcomes shall outline what the school is attempting to do to meet the needs and interests of its students and community in accordance with the school's mission statement and philosophy.

(b) The statement of philosophy and goals shall be developed with the involvement of students, parents, lay citizens, school staff, and tribe(s) and shall be formally adopted by the local school board.

(c) The philosophy and goals shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary by each school.

(d) A copy of the philosophy and goals shall be submitted to the Agency Superintendent for Education or Area Education Programs Administrator, as appropriate.

(e) Informational provisions shall be developed in the form of a manual, handbook, brochure, or other written document(s) of the minimum academic standards of the school's programs and the basic rules and procedures of the school. The staff, students, and parents shall receive the written document or documents and have same explained to all who request explanation. The topics covered in the document(s) shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Statement of philosophy and goals;

(2) Description of how policies are developed and administered;

(3) A brief explanation of curricular offerings;

(4) A copy of student rights handbook;

(5) Basic practices related to:

(i) Grading system;

(ii) Graduation requirements, if applicable;

(iii) Attendance policies;

(iv) Special programs at the school; and

(v) Student activities available for students.

(a) Staffing. Each school shall, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

(1) The overall school ratio of regular program students to regular program teachers in self-contained classrooms shall not exceed the following except under the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a)(4) (i) and (ii) of this section. Average daily membership (ADM) shall be used in meeting the following ratios.

(2) Multi-grade classrooms that cross grade-level boundaries (e.g., K-1, 3-4, etc.) shall use the maximum of the lower grade. In grades K-8, grades shall be consolidated to meet the teacher ratios listed above.

(3) The daily teaching load per teacher in departmentalized classes shall not exceed 150 students (ADM) except in activity type classes such as music and physical education.

(4) Schools exceeding these specific staffing ratios for over 30 consecutive days during one school year shall submit a justification for a request for a waiver to the Director, through the Agency Superintendent for Education or Area Education Programs Administrator, as appropriate, which may be approved for a period not to exceed one school year and for the following reasons:

(i) Additional classroom space is not available for establishing another class; or

(ii) The school, Agency, Area and Office of Indian Education Programs Applicant Supply File has been exhausted and the required teacher position cannot be filled. However, efforts to fill the vacancy shall be continued.

(5) Each school shall provide, in the absence of a regular teacher, a certified substitute teacher who meets the State substitute teacher qualifications. In the event that such a substitute is not available, coverage will be provided by a school employee designated by the school supervisor. A class cannot have as a teacher an employee without teaching credentials for more than 20 school days during any one school year.

(b) Written school enrollment and attendance policies. Each school shall have written school enrollment and attendance policies in compliance with and/or consistent with 25 CFR 31, Federal Schools for Indians, the statutes of the State, and tribal education ordinances.

(c) Immunization. School children shall be immunized in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the state in which they attend school or standards of the Indian Health Service.

The policy and procedures of each school and its curricula shall be developed and revised based on an assessment of educational needs. This needs assessment shall be conducted at least every seven (7) years at the same frequency as required in § 36.50, School Program Evaluation. This assessment shall include at least the following:

(a) A clear statement of student educational goals and objectives. A student educational goal is defined as a statement of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, or concepts students are expected to exhibit upon completion of a grade level. Student educational objectives are defined as statements of more specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, or concepts students must exhibit in order to achieve the goal.

(b) The collection of appropriate data from which valid determinations, judgments, and decisions can be made with respect to the status of the educational program, e.g.,

(1) Perceptions of the parents, tribes, educators, and the students with regard to the relevance and importance of the goals.

(2) The extent to which educational goals and objectives have been achieved.

(3) The data developed as a result of the evaluation outlined in § 36.50 School Program Evaluation.

(c) A statement of educational needs which identifies the difference between the current status of students and the desired goals for the students.

(d) A plan of action to remediate assessed needs.

(a) Each school shall implement an organized program of curriculum development involving certified and non-certified staff and shall provide the opportunity for involvement by members of the local community.

(b) Curriculum development program activities shall be based on an analysis of school programs and shall be related to needs assessment and evaluation.

(c) Each school shall involve staff and provide the opportunity for involvement by the tribal community in planning programs, objectives, and activities which meet student/teacher needs.