The principal is ultimately responsible for approving all supplementary instructional materials used in his/her school.

Criteria for Selection

The following criteria are to be used when selecting supplemental materials. The materials should:

1. Be consistent with District-adopted curriculum and relevant policies, procedures, and regulations (e.g., controversial issues, advertising);
2. Provide material for the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and development levels of the students served;
3. Provide material for student growth in critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving, and support lifelong learning and workplace applications;
4. Be of sufficient variety to meet the diverse needs/characteristics of students and present balanced but differing views of issues, controversial or otherwise, in order that students may develop analytical and decision-making skills;
5. Contribute to the development of an understanding of the populations by being appropriately inclusive regarding their roles contributions, and unique perspectives;
6. Contribute to the development of self-respect, pride, and an appreciation of differences, and reflect respect for the worth and dignity of all people;
7. Offer the most appropriate format(s) (including technological, visual, and/or auditory components) to support the adopted curriculum;
8. Be generally culturally relevant, free of sex bias, stereotyping, race, class, and other forms of bias. The Board recognizes that under certain circumstances biased materials may serve as appropriate resources to present contrasting and differing points of view, and biased materials may be employed in order to teach students about bias, stereotyping, and propaganda. Also, classic and contemporary literary works, periodicals, and technical journals may be selected even if they do not meet this general standard, if otherwise educationally necessary or appropriate; and
9. Be free of obscene or pornographic material.

Superintendent Procedure

• 2015SP.A – Instructional Materials Complaint
• 2015SP.B – Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

Policy Cross References

• 2015 – Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

Approved by the Board

• March 8, 2012