Instruction
Administrative Regulation No. 6161.1
Regulation reviewed: April 3, 2014

SELECTION AND EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Criteria for Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

In recommending textbooks or other instructional materials for adoption by the Governing Board, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that such materials:

1. Are aligned to any applicable academic content standards adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) pursuant to Education Code 60605 and/or Common Core Standards adopted pursuant to Education Code 60605.8

   For grades K-8, the Superintendent or designee shall select instructional materials from among the list of materials adopted by the SBE and/or other materials that have not been adopted by the SBE but are aligned with the state academic content standards and/or the Common Core Standards.  (Education Code 60200, 60210)

2. Do not reflect adversely upon persons because of their race or ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, occupation, or other characteristic listed in Education Code 220 nor contain any sectarian or denominational doctrine or propaganda contrary to law  (Education Code 51501, 60044)

3. To the satisfaction of the Board, be accurate, objective, current, and suited to the needs and comprehension of students at their respective grade levels  (Education Code 60045)

4. With the exception of literature and trade books, use proper grammar and spelling  (Education Code 60045)

5. Not expose students to a commercial brand name, product, or corporate or company logo unless the Board makes a specific finding that the use is appropriate based on one of the following: (Education Code 60200, 60048)

   1. The commercial brand name, product, or corporate or company logo is used in text for an educational purpose as defined in guidelines or frameworks adopted by the State Board of Education
   2. The appearance of a commercial brand name, product, or corporate or company logo in an illustration is incidental to the general nature of the illustration

6. If the materials are technology-based materials, be both available and comparable to other, equivalent instructional materials  (Education Code 60052)

7. Meet the requirements of Education Code 60040-60043 for specific subject content

8. Support the district’s adopted courses of study and current curricular goals

9. Contribute to a comprehensive, balanced curriculum

10. Demonstrate reliable quality of scholarship as evidenced by:

    1. Accurate, up-to-date and well-documented information
    2. Objective presentation of diverse viewpoints
    3. Clear, concise writing and appropriate vocabulary
    4. Thorough treatment of subject matter

11. Provide for a wide range of materials at all levels of difficulty, with appeal to students of varied interests, abilities and developmental levels

12. Include materials that stimulate discussion of contemporary issues and improve students’ thinking and decision-making skills

13. Contribute to the proper articulation of instruction through grade levels

14. As appropriate, have corresponding versions available in languages other than English as appropriate

15. Include high-quality teacher’s guides

16. Meet high standards in terms of the quality, durability and appearance of paper, binding, text and graphics

17. When available from the publishers, include options for lighter weight materials in order to help minimize injury to students by the combined weight of instructional material.

Conflict of Interest

To ensure integrity and impartiality in the evaluation and selection of instructional materials, any district employee who is participating in the evaluation of instructional materials and not otherwise designated in the district’s conflict of interest code shall sign a disclosure statement indicating that he/she:

1. Shall not accept any emolument, money or other valuable thing, or any inducement, to directly or indirectly introduce, recommend, vote for, or otherwise influence the adoption or purchase of any instructional material  (Education Code 60072)

   Sample copies of instructional materials are excepted from this prohibition.  (Education Code 60075)

2. Is not employed by nor receive compensation from the publisher or supplier of the instructional materials, or any person, firm, organization, or subsidiary representing it.

3. Does not have and will not negotiate a contractual relationship with the publisher or supplier of instructional materials or any such person, firm or organization, subsidiary or controlling entity representing it.

4. Does not have an interest as a contributor, author, editor or consultant in any textbook or other instructional material submitted to the district.