|
Appendix A-Language Arts
Curriculum Guide Adopted as follows: Brimfield 11/24/87:
Wales 10/22/87 The purpose of this selection policy is to define the philosophy, objectives, criteria andprocedures to be followed by those groups or individuals functioning as agents of the School Committee in the acquisition of print and audiovisual materials for instructional and library programs. These groups or individuals shall include: textbook selection committees, library selection committees, program directors, principals, curriculum and/or department committees, and other ad hoc committees or groups assigned to select materials for school programs. Instructional materials shall include print and non-print items such as audiotapes and audiocassettes, books, computer programs, dioramas, disc recordings, films, filmstrips, games, graphic works, manuscripts, maps and globes, microforms, models, multimedia kits, newspapers, overhead transparencies, pamphlets, periodicals, realia, reference materials, slides, television programs, videocassettes, videodiscs, videotapes, and combinations of the above. Selection Philosophy and Objectives The basic objective of materials selection is to provide students and faculty with learning resources that are intrinsic to the implementation of school curriculum. Such materials should have value for the diversified interests, abilities and maturity levels of our students. The educational system will support a philosophy of free access to a full range of instructional materials. This range of instructional materials shall be selected based upon the selection criteria outlined in this policy. Selection Criteria Instructional and library materials shall support and be consistent with the general educational goals of the (name of town) district. Materials should be selected on the basis of and identified need for the materials and the general suitability of the materials to the needs and abilities of those who will use them. Consideration of the criteria below, where relevant, shall provide the basis for selection of instructional and/or library materials. Criteria are not listed in order of importance. Criteria shall apply to gift materials which shall be accepted only upon meeting the below criteria. 1. Relation to curriculum Reconsideration of Selected Materials A complaint about any curriculum material or book by a resident of the (name of town) School District will be considered by the administration and School Committee only after the below written Reconsideration Procedure has been followed. Use of materials being reconsidered will not be restricted until a final decision on the complaint has been issued. Reconsideration decision made at one school will not be binding on other schools in the district. Reconsideration of Procedures 1. Upon receipt of a complaint about a book or other instructional material, the Building Principal will contact the complainant and appropriate school staff to discuss the complaint and attempt to resolve it by explaining the selection policy and procedure. If the complaint is not resolved, Step 2 is to be implemented. 2. A standard questionnaire (Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials) and cover letter shall be sent to the complainant with a request that he/she return the completed questionnaire to the Building Principal. No complaint shall be considered unless the written questionnaire is completed and returned. A duplicate of the completed Request for Reconsideration shall be sent to appropriate school staff and the Superintendent. 3. Upon receipt of the Request, the Principal will appoint and convene an Advisory Committee of appropriate school staff and parents to consider the complaint. The Committee will consist of the Principal and Curriculum Head, if Appropriate, three teachers and two parents The Committee will be appointed by the Principal The Committee will use the selection criteria outlined in this document in its reconsideration of a book or other instructional materials, and will respond in writing to the complainant with a copy sent to the Superintendent within two months of the receipt of the Request for Reconsideration. 4. Following consideration by the Principal and committee, the complainant (if dissatisfied with the Committee’s findings) may refile his/her Request for Reconsideration in writing with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will review the Request and respond in writing within two months after receipt of the written Request. 5. Following consideration by the Superintendent, the complainant (if dissatisfied with the Superintendent’s findings) may refile his/her Request for Reconsideration in writing with the School Committee. The School Committee will take no longer than three regular school committee meetings to consider and respond to the request in writing. 6. The School Committee, through the Superintendent, shall be informed of any decision at any level to remove an item from the classroom(s) or library of the school if such removal is a result of this Request to Reconsider procedure. 7. Complaints submitted directly
to the Superintendent or School Committee shall be referred to the building
Principal. No complaint, other than the initial inquiry to the Principal
and referred to under point 1 above, will be considered by any school
staff or committee members unless submitted in writing and unless it has
proceeded through the channels described herein. Deselection Criteria Materials may be removed from the curriculum or library collection of the school for the following reasons: 1. Materials are in such poor physical
condition that they can no longer be used. Request for Reconsideration
School:___________________________________________ Please check type of material: __________Book __________Film ___________Record __________Periodical __________Filmstrip ____________Kit __________Pamphlet __________Cassette ____________Other Title____________________________________________________ Author:__________________________________________________ Publisher or Producer:______________________________________ Request to Reconsider Initiated by:(full
name)___________________________ ________________ The following questions are to be answered after the complainant has read, viewed, or listened to the school instructional or library material in its entirety. If sufficient space is not provided, please attach additional sheets. (Please sign name to any additional sheets.) 1. To what in the material do you object?
Please be specific: cite pages, frames in a filmstrip, film sequence,
etc._____________________________________________________________________________ 3. What do you feel might be the result of a student using this material?_________________________________________________________________________ 4.For what age group would you recommend this material?_________________________________________________________________________ 5. Is there anything good in this material? Please comment._________________________________________________________________________ 6. Would you care to recommend other school instructional or library material of the same subject and format?___________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ ____________________________ ( Signature of complainant) (Date) Please return completed form to the school Principal.
|