Policy 618-R Reconsideration of Textbooks or Other Instructional Supplementary Resources Materials

The term “resources” will refer to any material(s) (whether acquired or locally produced) with educational content or function that is used for teaching/learning purposes. Examples include curriculum materials, school media center collections, licensed databases, and student resource lists. The following procedure will be used and resolution may be accomplished in any of the following ways.

A. If reconsideration is being requested, resolution shall first be attempted between the concerned party and the professional media personnel and/or the teacher.

B. If a resolution is not obtained, the concern shall be directed to the building principal. The principal will contact the concerned party, provide the concerned party with a copy of Policy 613 & 618 and procedures 613-R & 618-R, and arrange a meeting with the concerned party and appropriate professional staff. The principal will also inform the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning about the request for reconsideration and seek guidance per Policy 618/618R.

The principal and appropriate professional staff shall:

1. Listen to the concerned party’s reasons for concern.
2. Explain the school's related policies and procedures and the criteria used for the selection of resources.
3. Explain the place of the resource in the educational program and its intended educational use.
4. Try to resolve the concerned party’s concern, up to and including considering and determining protocols to be used with their child(ren).

C. If a resolution is not reached with the concerned party, the matter will be referred to the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. The Executive Director will follow up with the concerned party to hear the concern.

After hearing the concern, the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning will review Policy 613 & 613-R and if the criterion have been met, may affirm the decision of the principal and the matter is resolved. At that time, the specific educational resource/material in question shall not be considered for a further review and/or reconsideration for a period of at least three years from the date of the final action.

If the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning determines that criteria in Policy 613 & 613-R were not met or there is not consensus with the principal and other involved professional staff, the Executive Director will convene a review committee and the concerned party will be asked to complete the form titled: Request For Reconsideration of Resources or Materials in a timely manner.

1. Educational Resource Review Committee

If it is determined that an educational resource review committee will be convened, the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning will chair the committee and will identify committee members. The committee shall be identified and convened on an as-needed basis. Each member shall serve on the committee for the duration of the review.

Representatives shall be selected or based on the nature of the concern, but the committee shall include, at a minimum:

• 2 Media Specialists
• 2 Parents – Building administration will elect/select parents willing to serve on this committee.
• 1 Parent-Teaching and Learning Parent Committee (CITAC, Curriculum Committee, etc.)
• 2 Teachers
• 1 Administrator
• 1 member of Teaching and Learning department
• 1 member of the Equity and Inclusion department

Staff assigned to the school where the concern originated, and/or those involved in previously hearing directly from the concerned party, may provide input but will not participate as a member of the review committee.

2. Educational Resource Review Committee Procedures
The Educational Resource Review Committee Chair shall arrange a Committee meeting and the Committee shall:

a. Examine the questioned resource as a whole.
b. Discuss the resource in the context of the educational program and the educational use of the resource.
c. Hear input from appropriate persons including the individual(s) expressing the concern and
professional staff using the resource.
d. Reach a decision about the continued use of the resource.

3. Educational Resource Review Committee Resolution

a. Upon completion of the review process, the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning shall, within a timely manner, share the written decision of the Resource Review Committee with the Superintendent and provide copies to all appropriate individuals as determined by the Executive Director.
b. A copy of the final written report, if applicable, accompanied by any materials related to the proceedings as determined by the Executive Director will be the official record of the review. Privacy rights of any members of the Educational Resource Review Committee will be protected to the extent allowed by law.

4. The decision of the Educational Resource Review Committee regarding reconsideration of textbooks or other instructional/supplementary materials shall be final and binding. The specific educational resource/material in question shall not be considered for a further review for a period of at least three years from the date of the final action.

• Policy 613 & 613-R – Instructional Material Review Selection and Use

• Adopted: September 12, 2022

• Policy 618 - Reconsideration of Textbooks or Other Instructional Supplementary Resources Materials
• Policy 618 - Request for Reconsideration Form