Number:

105.1
Section: Programs
Title: Alternatives to Dissection
Date Adopted: April 13, 1992
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003

Purpose
Dissection may be utilized as part of the science program and may contribute to the attainment of specific course objectives.  The Board recognizes, however, that students may have valid reasons to request an alternative to this technique.

Authority 
In accordance with Act 88 of 1992, regarding Student Rights Section 2: public or non-public school pupils from kindergarten through grade twelve may refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture, or otherwise harm or destroy animals, or any parts thereof, as part of their courses of instruction.   

Definitions 
"Animal" shall mean any living organism of the kingdom animalia in the Phylum Cordate, organisms, which have a notochord.  The term also includes an animal's cadaver or severed parts of any animal's cadaver. 

Guidelines 
Parents will be notified in writing of the Alternatives to Dissection Policy at the beginning of the school year within the framework of the elementary, middle school and high school Codes of Conduct published by the Upper Moreland School District, or no later than three weeks before the date of dissection. 

  • A student requesting an alternative to dissection must follow these  procedures:
  • A letter signed by the student and parent/legal guardian  requesting an alternative  educational project must be presented to the student's teacher 
  • The  student  and  his or her  teacher  will meet  to develop  an alternative educational project to be completed in place of the dissection 

An  alternative  educational  project  may include,  but is not limited to,  the following:  

a. observation of the dissection in lieu of the actual dissection work, so long as student and parents find this an acceptable alternative 
b. use of diagrams and models instead of preserved specimens to complete written laboratory sheets
c.

completion of supplementary reports on the anatomy and physiology of the specimens being studied 
d. completion of other assignments as provided by the teacher, which may include video programs, computer simulations, or activities from laboratory manuals 

  •  The deadline for the completion of the alternative educational project will be the same as the completion of the actual laboratory experience.  The teacher shall use the grade on the alternative educational project in lieu of the dissection grade.   

  •    An “Alternative educational project" also includes "alternative test."  The student may refuse a test, which also involves or necessitates harmful use of an animal or animal part.