2320 – Field Trips and Excursions
The Board recognizes that field trips when used as a device for teaching and learning integral to the curriculum are an educationally sound and important ingredient in the instructional program of the schools. Such trips can supplement and enrich classroom procedures by providing learning experiences in an environment beyond the classroom. Work experience and cooperative trips are not considered field trips.
All field trips must be approved through the program manager on NWESD 189 forms (see Forms 2320-F1 and 2320-F2). Program managers must forward all request forms to the Superintendent’s office for notification/approval.
To be educationally beneficial, a field trip requires thoughtful selection, careful advance preparation of the class, and opportunity for pupils to assimilate the experience during and at the conclusion of the trip. To this end, teachers and program managers will be expected to consider the following factors in selection of field trips:
- value of the activity to the particular class group or class groups;
- relationship of the field trip activity to a particular aspect of classroom instruction;
- suitability of the activity and distance traveled in terms of the age level; and
- cost.
Field trips which take students out of the state or keep students out overnight must be approved in advance by the Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the consideration and approval/disapproval of requests for field trips, outdoor education activities, and overnight excursions, which shall insure that the safety of the student shall be protected, and that parent permission is obtained before the student leaves the schools. Each field trip must be integrated with the curriculum and coordinated with classroom activities, which enhance its usefulness. Private vehicles may not be used to transport students.
No staff member may solicit students for any privately arranged field trip or excursion without prior Superintendent permission.
First Reading: 02/26/92 (as 6130)
Second Reading: 03/25/92 (as 6130)
Revised: 03/28/01 (recodified 2320)
Reference:
RCW 28A.310.180
RCW 28A.330.100(5)
RCW 67.20.020
WAC 180-87-090
Date Revised: 3/28/01