2020 - Curriculum Development and Adoption of Core Instructional Materials

The District recognizes its responsibility for the educational program of the schools. The curriculum shall be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis and in accordance with a plan for curriculum growth. Instructional materials shall be selected to ensure alignment with state learning standards and enable all students to master foundational skills and knowledge to achieve college and career readiness.

All courses must be approved by the Superintendent/designee prior to implementation.

The Superintendent shall establish procedures for curriculum development which provide for involvement of community and staff members at appropriate times, the annual review of selected areas on a cyclical basis, and any suggested changes that should be made as a result of the curriculum study or changes in state standards.

Selection and Adoption of Core Instructional Materials

The Board is legally responsible for the approval of core adopted instructional materials. Core elementary materials are defined as Math, Science, Health, Social Studies, Reading and Writing. Core secondary materials are defined as Language Arts, Health, Social Studies, Math and Science excluding Honors, AP, IB and College-in-the-High School. Other courses may be excluded from this Regulation due to minimal enrollment as determined by the Superintendent/designee. Core instructional materials shall be defined as all printed, filmed, recorded, or digital materials furnished by the District for student use. All instructional materials shall be selected in conformance with:

1. Applicable state and federal laws,
2. The stated goals and/or standards of the District and state, and
3. Procedures established by the instructional materials committee.

Criteria for Selection of Core Instructional Materials

Staff shall rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of materials of high quality that comprise a comprehensive collection appropriate for the instructional program. Core instructional materials selected shall include, but are not limited to, those which:

1. Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied instructional needs, abilities, interests, and maturity levels of the students served.
2. Stimulate student growth in conceptual thinking, factual knowledge, physical fitness and literary and ethical standards.
3. Provide sufficient variety so as to present opposing views of controversial issues in order that students may develop the skills of critical analysis and informed decision making.
4. Contribute to the development of an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, economic and occupational diversity of American life.
5. Present objectively the concerns of and build upon the contributions, current and historical, of both sexes, and members of religious, ethnic and cultural groups. The District recognizes that under certain conditions biased materials may represent appropriate resources in presenting contrasting and differing points of view.
6. Provide models which may be used as a vehicle for the development of self-respect, ethnic pride and appreciation of cultural differences, based on respect for the worth, dignity, and personal values of every individual.

Any requests from organizations which provide instructional materials and/or aids must be examined to ensure that such materials meet the criteria above. The Superintendent/designee shall review for accuracy and educational value to the total school program all materials or activities proposed by outside sources for student or staff use.

The responsibility for preparing, examining, evaluating and selecting all supplementary materials is delegated to the professional staff of the District. Core instructional materials shall be adopted by the Board prior to their use in schools except for trial-use of a pilot nature, which may be authorized by the Superintendent/designee for use for a period of no more than one school year prior to board adoption. Materials approved for trial use shall be restricted to classes specified.

The Superintendent/designee shall insure that a listing of all core instructional materials used within the school curriculum is maintained in every District school and is available for public review.