2020 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.

 

For the purpose of policy and procedure 2020, the following definitions will apply:

 

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.

 

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 four categories of instructional materials:

 

Core Instructional Materials are the primary instructional resources for a given course or subject. They are district-approved and provided to all students to help meet learning standards and provide instruction towards grade-level and course requirements.

 

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.

 

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, decision making, and progress monitoring.

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 year requires consideration of the materials as either part of the core instructional materials for a course or supplemental materials for the course depending on the nature and scope of the materials.

 

Instructional Materials Committee is the body that makes adoption recommendations to the School Board based on superintendent-established procedures.

 

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

 

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:
 

The Board is responsible for the adoption of all core materials used in the district.

 

The superintendent, or designee, will establish procedures for core materials, supplemental materials, and intervention materials selection and adoption.

 

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

 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.230 District school directors' responsibilities 

RCW 28A.320.170 Tribal history and culture [as amended by SSB 5433]

RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials — Instructional materials committee

RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations —Enforcement— Withholding salary warrant for failure

Chapter 28A.640 RCW Sexual Equity

WAC 180-44-010 Responsibilities related to instruction                 

WAC 392-190-055 Textbooks and instructional materials — Scope— Elimination of bias