2120 - Course Design, Selection, and Adoption of Instructional Materials Policy

Policy 2120

INSTRUCTION

Course Design, Selection, 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 course designs shall be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis. 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.

Definitions
For the purpose of this policy and procedure, the following definitions will apply:

1. “Course Design” is the process that includes identifying and sequencing essential content supporting students’ skill development towards state learning standards. Course design involves providing appropriate instructional materials, professional development, and support systems for teachers as they implement the course.
    
2. “Instructional Materials” are all materials designed for use by students and their teachers as learning resources to help students to acquire facts, skills, and/or to develop cognitive processes. These instructional materials, used to help students meet state learning standards, may be printed or digital, and may include textbooks, technology-based materials, other educational media, and assessments. They may carry different licensing types from open to all rights reserved. For the purposes of this policy, there are five categories of instructional materials:

a. “Core Instructional Materials” are the primary board adopted instructional resources for a given course. They are provided to all students to help meet learning standards and provide instruction towards course requirements.

b. “Alternative Core Materials” are the primary instructional materials for a given course that are used with a subset of students. These materials are intended to replace board adopted core materials and may be used for specialized course offerings or flexible learning environments.

c. “Intervention Materials” are designed to support strategic or intensive intervention for students who are at risk of not meeting established learning standards. Intervention materials are used with students to accelerate progress toward particular learning goals based on systematic assessment, decisionmaking, and progress monitoring.

d. “Supplemental Materials” are used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course. These items extend and support instruction. They include, but are not limited to, books, periodicals, visual aids, video, sound recordings, computer software and other digital content.

e. “Temporary Supplemental Materials” are those items used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course that are of interest or value for a short period of time and are chosen within district-established guidelines. They are not intended to supplant the adopted curriculum nor be used on a regular instructional basis. Examples might include timely articles from relevant, reliable sources, websites, or news broadcasts. The use of temporary supplemental materials for time periods of over one school year may require consideration of the material as either part of the core instructional material for a course or supplemental material for the course depending on the nature and scope of the material.
 

3. “Instructional Materials Committee” (IMC) is the body that makes core instructional materials adoption recommendations to the Board of Directors based on superintendent established procedures and state law. IMC review and approval of curriculum committee recommendations is required prior to school board adoption.

Course Design
The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for course design that:

1. Provide for the regular review of selected content areas and implementation of any suggested changes.
2. Provide for involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times.

Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

The primary objective in selecting instructional materials is to implement, enrich and support the educational program of the schools. All instructional materials will be selected in conformance with:

1. Applicable state and federal laws;
2. Board-adopted initiatives and goals, and state learning standards; and
3. Procedures established by the Instructional Materials Committee which address the criteria detailed in the corresponding procedure 2120P.

The board is responsible for the adoption of all core materials and alternative core materials used in the district.

The superintendent, or designee, will establish procedures for core material, alternative core, and intervention material selection and adoption using criteria around evidence-based practices.

The superintendent will ensure that a listing of all core instructional materials used within the school curriculum is maintained in the district and is available for public review either in-person or online.

The intent of the board is that the superintendent delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all supplemental and temporary supplemental materials to the professional staff of the district. This includes preparing all student reading lists. Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of high quality supplemental materials that align to state learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program and developmental level and interests of their students.

The board expects the certificated and noncertificated staff to support fully the approved instructional materials. Principals are expected to provide leadership to staff in implementing approved programs. Teachers are encouraged to use professional judgment, initiative, and creativity in adapting the use of instructional materials to the individual needs of students.

Legal References: RCW 28A.230 Compulsory Course Work and Activities
RCW 28A.150.230 Basic Education Act—District school directors responsibilities
RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials—Instructional materials committee
RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations— Enforcement
RCW 28A.640 Sexual equality
WAC 392-44-010 Responsibilities related to instruction
WAC 392-190-055 Textbooks and instructional materials— Scope—Elimination of sex bias

Adoption Date: November 10, 2015