Selection of Instructional Materials
The board recognizes that the selection of instructional materials is a vital component of the school district’s curriculum.
The board has sole discretion to approve instructional materials for the school district. The board delegates its authority to determine which instructional materials will be utilized and purchased by the school district to licensed employees. The licensed employees shall work closely together to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of textbooks in the education program.
The board may appoint an ad hoc committee for the selection of instructional materials. The committee may be composed of any of the following groups of stakeholders: school district employees, parents, students, community members or representatives of community groups.
All instructional materials are available for review upon request and subject to all applicable laws.
In reviewing current instructional materials for continued use and in selecting additional instructional materials, the licensed employees and/or the committee will consider the current and future needs of the school district as well as the changes and the trends in education and society. Additionally, the licensed employees and/or the committee 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 licensed employees and/or the selection committee.
In making its recommendations to the superintendent, the licensed employees and/or the committee will select materials which:
- support the educational philosophy, goals and objectives of the school district;
- consider the needs, age, and maturity of students;
- are within the school 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;
- offer students opportunities to extend and refine knowledge and use knowledge in meaningful ways; 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 a recommendation from the superintendent. The criteria stated above for selection of instructional materials shall also 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. The gift must be received in compliance with board policy regarding gifts, grants or bequests.
Approved: October 19, 1998
Revised/Reviewed: December 18, 2023