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
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
Instructional materials for grades K-8 shall be selected 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)
(cf. 6161.11 - Supplementary Instructional Materials)
(cf. 1431 - Waivers)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
For grades 9-12, the Superintendent or designee shall review instructional materials in history-social science, mathematics, English/language arts, and science using a standards map in order to determine the extent to which the materials are aligned to the content standards
2. For grades 9-12, be provided by publishers who comply with the requirements of Education Code 60040-60052, 60060-60062, and 60226 (Education Code 60400)
3. 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)
(cf. 0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)
4. 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)
5. With the exception of literature and trade books, use proper grammar and spelling (Education Code 60045)
6. 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 60048, 60200)
a. 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 SBE.
b. 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.
(cf. 1325 - Advertising and Promotion)
7. If the materials are technology-based materials, be both available and comparable to other, equivalent instructional materials (Education Code 60052)
8. Meet the requirements of Education Code 60040-60043 for specific subject content
9. Support the district's adopted courses of study and curricular goals
(cf. 6141 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6142.8 - Comprehensive Health Education)
(cf. 6142.91 - English/Language Arts Instruction)
(cf. 6142.92 - Mathematics Instruction)
(cf. 6142.93 - Science Instruction)
(cf. 6142.94 - History-Social Science Instruction)
(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)
(cf. 6146.1 - High School Graduation Requirements)
10. Contribute to a comprehensive, balanced curriculum
11. Demonstrate reliable quality of scholarship as evidenced by:
a. Accurate, up-to-date, and well-documented information
b. Objective presentation of diverse viewpoints
c. Clear, concise writing and appropriate vocabulary
d. Thorough treatment of subject matter
12. Provide for a wide range of materials at all levels of difficulty, with appeal to students of varied interests, abilities, and developmental levels
13. Include materials that stimulate discussion of contemporary issues and improve students' thinking and decision-making skills
14. Contribute to the proper articulation of instruction through grade levels
15. As appropriate, have corresponding versions available in languages other than English
16. Include high-quality teacher's guides
17. Meet high standards in terms of the quality, durability, and appearance of paper, binding, text, and graphics
18. When available from the publishers, include options for lighter weight materials in order to help minimize any injury to students by the combined weight of instructional materials
Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee
The Superintendent or designee may establish an instructional materials evaluation committee to evaluate and recommend instructional materials for Board approval. This committee shall substantially be composed of teachers and may also include administrators, other staff who have subject-matter expertise, parents/guardians, community members, and students as appropriate.
(cf. 1220 - Citizen Advisory Committees)
The committee shall review instructional materials using criteria provided above and in law, and shall provide the Board with documentation supporting its recommendations.
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 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)
(cf. 9270 - Conflict of Interest)
2. Is not employed by nor receives compensation from the publisher or supplier of the instructional materials, or any person, firm, organization, subsidiary, or controlling entity representing it
3. Does not have and will not negotiate a contractual relationship with the publisher or supplier of the instructional materials, or any person, firm, 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
Regulation SANTA CLARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: March 13, 2014 Santa Clara, California