The Board recognizes that the selection of instructional materials is a vital component of the District’s curriculum.
The Board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the District. The Board delegates its authority to determine which instructional materials will be utilized and purchased by the District, other than textbooks, to licensed employees. The licensed employees will work closely together to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of textbooks in the education program.
The Board may appoint an ad hoc committee to make recommendations to the District’s licensed employees and administration concerning the selection of instructional materials. The committee may be composed of District employees, parents, students, community members or representatives of community groups.
In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees will consider the current and future needs of the District as well as the changes and trends in education and society. Additionally, licensed employees are to select instructional materials and textbooks that are free from discrimination, regardless of sex, race and color, national origin, religion and creed, age, marital/parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, or socioeconomic status or familial status. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to report to the Board the action taken by the selection committee.
In making its recommendations to the Superintendent, the licensed employees will recommend materials which:
- support the educational philosophy, goals and objectives of the District;
- consider the needs, age, and maturity of students;
- are within the District’s budget;
- foster respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and difference of opinion;
- stimulate growth in factual knowledge and literary appreciation;
- encourage students to become decision-makers, to exercise freedom of thought, and to make independent judgment through the examination and evaluation of relevant information, evidence, and differing viewpoints;
- portray the variety of careers, roles, and lifestyles open to persons of both sexes; and
- increase an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each member of a multicultural society.
In the case of textbooks, the Board will make the final decision after receiving a recommendation from the Superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of other instructional materials will apply to the selection of textbooks. The Superintendent may appoint licensed employees to assist in the selection of textbooks.
Gifts of instructional materials must meet these criteria stated above for the selection of instructional materials.
Approved: 1995-1996
Reviewed: FY 2016-2017, August 15, 2016, June 28, 2021
Revised: 02/24/17