Falls Church High School Library Website: Movie Approvals

Showing Movies & Video Clips 
Please see FCPS Regulation 3007.3 for complete details and note that FCPS Regulation 3290 includes all instructional materials. 

Video Clips:

Schools may approve supplemental stand-alone electronic media without prior approval if it meets the following criteria:

• Is no longer than 20 minutes total
• Supports and enhances the POS
• Is appropriate for the unit of study
• Is age/grade appropriate
• Follows Regulations 3011 and 3280 (considering cultural or ethnic differences, language, word choice, religion, disabilities, violence, and implied or explicit sexual situations).
• Follows copyright restrictions (legally obtained, used as part of face-to-face instruction, and must be used to teach specific objectives in the curriculum- not for entertainment purposes.)

(Translation: Teachers can show clips that are shorter than 20 minutes without going through an approval process if they support instruction and are legally obtained. Using personal streaming accounts is not advised.)

Movies:

Movies can be approved at the school level if longer than 20 minutes and meet the following criteria:

• It goes through the Instructional Materials Review Committee (see the Approval Process box)
• Supports and enhances the POS
• Presents accurate content
• Is appropriate for the unit of study
• Is age/grade appropriate
• Follows Regulations 3011 and 3280 (considering cultural or ethnic differences, language, word choice, religion, disabilities, violence, and implied or explicit sexual situations).
• Follows copyright restrictions (legally obtained, used as part of face-to-face instruction, and must be used to teach specific objectives in the curriculum- not for entertainment purposes.)
• Entire movies are not recommended due to the impact on instructional time.

(Translation: If full movies are to be shown, teachers need to fill out an Attachment A and go through our review committee. Any movie that has already gone through the approval process for your department does not need to do it again. We have a list of these movies and paperwork on file.) Movies approved at the county level are noted in the Online Library Catalog. If you are unsure, please ask a librarian. It is the teacher’s responsibility to preview all movies and clips to deem appropriateness.)

Exceptions:

Videos contained within all centrally purchased library databases and Learn 360 have blanket approval for all subject areas.

• Learn 360 

• List of Centrally Purchased Databases

• Character Education DVDs in the library are approved for all subject areas. 

Steps:

• Complete the Attachment A, as noted in FCPS Regulation 3007.3.
• Send it to your department chair for an approval signature.
• Send it to Laura Potocki (lmpotocki@fcps.edu) or drop it in the Library Mailbox.
• The Instructional Materials Review Committee will follow the procedure for movie approvals.
• If approved, the librarian and principal sign the form and it gets filed.
• If declined, it is noted in the movie document.
• The librarian will send an email letting you know if the movie was approved or not.

Rated R Movies:

• Require Attachments B and C, as noted in FCPS Regulation 3007.3. Please email Laura Potocki for the forms. 
• Require approval even if you are showing a short clip.
• Cannot be shown in its entirety. Relevant clips only. 
• Cannot show any part of the movie that points to the R rating.
• Are opt-in only. Every student under 18 needs parent/guardian permission. Students 18 or older can sign the form themselves.
• Must provide an alternative assignment available to any students whose parents/guardians opt out.

Considerations:

Please review FCPS Regulations 3011 and 3280, pertaining to making culturally responsive choices with instructional materials. 

Please email a librarian for information on how to access SWANK. It is a multi-step process that can take a few days. All SWANK movies need to go through the approval process. Plan ahead accordingly. 

Approved Movie List - contact Laura Potocki for assistance.

Outside of class viewings of movies and shows are considered public performances and the appropriate licensing is required. This includes clubs and student/school activities. The school is not liable for the purchasing of or repercussions of not purchasing said license.