IJJ - Textbook Selection and Adoption

File: IJJ
Textbook Selection and Adoption
 
Responsibility for the review and selection of textbooks to be purchased shall rest with the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning.  A review committee will be established to assist in the process to determine the textbooks that best meet the curriculum guidelines of the district.  The review committee will include teachers and administrators, who will use the texts and other staff members as found desirable.  Final adoption decisions will be the responsibility of the Superintendent.
 

Principles that apply generally to the selection of instructional materials and library materials shall apply to textbooks. Additionally, basic textbooks, textbook support materials and online resources shall be chosen:

  • To advance the educational objectives of the school system and particular objectives of the course program.
  • To contribute toward continuity, integration, and articulation of the curriculum.
  • To establish a general framework for the particular course or program.
Because the instructional purposes of textbooks, as stated above, are of such importance, particular care shall be taken in their selection as to content.
 

Although many points must be examined, the School Committee directs the staff to be mindful of the following considerations:

  • The needs of all learners must be addressed.
  • Attention should be given to gender roles and other bias depicted in the materials.
  • The textbook and textbook support materials should lead the student and teacher beyond the textbook into a wide variety of other materials and educational experiences.
  • If the textbook deals with problems and issues of our times, it should present and encourage examination of varied points of view.
  • Because textbooks are selected for several year's use, special attention also shall be given their physical characteristics, durability, format and price.
     
LEGAL REFS.:    71:48; 30B:7; 71:50
                            603 CMR 26:05

 

CROSS REF.:     KEC (also IIAE), Public Complaints About Instructional Materials

 

Reviewed; revised 5/9/16