652 Procedure A: Instructional and Library Materials Selection

I.      GENERAL STATEMENT

The purpose of this procedure is to regulate the selection of instructional and library materials so that they conform to Policy 652 – Instructional Materials Selection.
 

A.  General criteria for the selection of any and all instructional and library materials.

1.  Instructional and library materials must be evaluated on the basis of the purposes for selection set forth in Policy 652 – Instructional and Library Materials Selection as well as the following criteria:

a.  Instructional and library materials will have favorable recommendations based on examination by district instructional personnel.

b.  Instructional and library materials will have favorable reviews found in standard review sources when available.

c.   Instructional and library materials will contain accurate information except in those cases when inaccuracy is needed because the purpose of the material is aimed at teaching critical thinking skills, teaching about propaganda, or developing an awareness of a factual, historical context.

d.  Instructional and library materials will be of high technical quality, except in those cases when the material is of less technical quality because it is a primary resource material or a facsimile of the same.

e.  Instructional and library materials will have a cost commensurate with their value and/or level of need.

f.   Instructional and library materials will be judged on the basis of both strengths and weaknesses and the relative influences those strengths and weaknesses may have upon the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes by students.
 

2.  Instructional and library materials offered as gifts will be considered using the same criteria as purchased materials.
 

3.  Instructional and library materials will conform to the provisions of current copyright law, Public Law 94-553.
 

B.  Distinction Between Two Classes of Instructional Materials
 

1.  Core/supplementary instructional materials

Core/supplementary instructional materials are defined as those instructional materials which are selected to:

a.  Match a specific course of study and/or specific outcomes.

b.  Be used as the main instructional materials for that course of study or outcomes.

2.  Library materials.

Library materials are defined as those materials which:

a.  Have content which falls within a general curricular topic, and/or

b.  Offer a fictional or non-fictional source for reference, and

c.   Are readily available to students and staff.
 

C.  Process and criteria for selecting core/supplementary instructional materials.
 

1.  District-level Selection

a.  District-level core/supplementary instructional materials must be targeted for evaluation and selected as a result of the District's instructional program improvement process which includes recommendations by and approval by the Director of Learning and Achievement.

b.  Prior to selecting core/supplementary instructional materials, a Materials Review Plan must be implemented in accordance with the District’s Program Improvement Plan Process Guide.  The Materials Review Plan is to include opportunity for review and input by teachers, Principals, and parents/community through the District Planning Advisory Council (DPAC), the Human Sexuality Advisory Committee (human sexuality and sexually transmitted infections education).

2.  Building-level Selection

Buildings and individual teachers may select supplementary materials for purposes such as motivating students or extending practice as long as those materials are consistent with the District's instructional goals and the District's scope and sequence for the subject area.
 

D.  Process and criteria for selecting library materials.
 

1.  Except in unusual circumstances, library materials must be recommended in standard review sources or previewed before purchase. Prior to purchase, Library Media Specialists will:

a. assess the completeness of the existing collection relative to curriculum topics and instructional needs;

b.  assess curriculum and instructional needs as expressed by licensed instructional staff in the building;

c.   consult with the Coordinator of Digital Learning and Instructional Media before selecting materials when they need advice relative to the purpose and/or appropriateness of the materials.

Legal References
Public Law 94-553: copyright

Cross References
Policy 104 – School District Mission Statement
Policy 644 – Community Resource Persons
Policy 652 - Instructional Materials Selection, Production and Reevaluation
Policy 924 – School Volunteers