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CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The board recognizes its responsibility for the improvement and growth of the educational program of the schools.  To this end, the curriculum will be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis and in accordance with a plan for curriculum growth.  Instructional materials shall be selected to assist students in attaining the basic skills and work skills as required by the state.

The superintendent will establish procedures for curriculum development, which provide for involvement of community representatives and employees 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.

The curriculum offered to students will include a description of:

•    Standards and benchmarks to be achieved by students;

•    Materials and/or equipment to be used to reach the standards;

•                  Procedures to be used to evaluate student achievement.

All new courses or major modifications to existing courses must be approved by the board before the new course or major revision to an existing course is implemented.

The board is legally responsible for the approval of all instructional materials used in the district.  Instructional materials shall be defined as all printed, digitized, filmed or recorded materials furnished by the district for student use and/or included on students’ reading lists.  The primary objective in selecting instructional materials is to implement, enrich and support the educational program of the schools. All instructional materials shall be selected in conformance with:

·         Applicable state and federal laws,

·         The stated goals and/or standards of the district, and

·         Procedures established by the instructional materials committee.

The responsibility for examining, evaluating and selecting all materials is delegated to the professional staff and reviewed by appropriate committees of the district. Textbooks and other required instructional materials identified as basal materials shall be approved by the board prior to their use in the schools except for trial-use texts of a pilot nature, which may be authorized by the superintendent or designee for use in a pilot study for a short-term duration and prior to board adoption.

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Criteria for Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

In selecting instructional materials, the staff shall rely on reason, educational research and professional judgment. Instructional materials selected shall include, but are not limited to those which:

·         Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied instructional needs, abilities, interests, and maturing levels of the students served;

·         Stimulate growth in conceptual thinking, factual knowledge, physical fitness, literary enhancement and the development of ethical standards;

·         Provide sufficient variety to present opposing views of controversial issues in order that young citizens may develop the skills of critical analysis and informed decision-making;

·         Provide for the elimination of gender and protected class bias in all textbooks and instructional materials;

·         Contribute to the development of an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and occupational diversity of American life;

·         Present objectively the concerns of racial, ethnic, religious and cultural groups, both historic and current and without gender bias, with the understanding that under certain conditions prejudiced materials may represent appropriate resources in presenting contrasting and differing points of view;

·         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 worth, dignity and the personal values of every individual.

The superintendent or designee shall ensure that a listing of all textbooks or adopted material used within the school curriculum is maintained in every district school and made available for public review.

Adopted By Board:                        02/09/94

Revised By Board:                        05/16/01