CHALLENGE OF LEARNING RESOURCES

Background

While every effort will be made to ensure the high quality of learning resources chosen in accordance with Administrative Procedure 251 – Selection of Learning Resources, there may be times when the value of a specific resource may be questioned.  This Administrative Procedure allows for the inclusion of the opinions of those persons in the schools and the community who are not directly involved in the selection process.

Any resident, parent / guardian of a child in the District, or employee may formally challenge learning resources used in the District's educational program on the basis of appropriateness.

Procedures

1. In the event a controversy arises over prescribed instructional materials, the Superintendent approves the following process:
   1. That no parent or group of parents has the right to determine the print or non-print resources for students other than their own children.
   2. The District does, however, recognize the right of a parent / guardian to request that their child not have access to print or non-print resources, provided a written request is made.
   3. Any parent / guardian concern over resources should be shared with the teacher and, if unresolved, then with the Principal.  Any community concern or concern from an employee should be directed to the Principal.
   4. Any complainant whose concern remains unresolved after meeting with the Principal, may choose to submit an Application for Reconsideration of Learning Resource (Form 252-1) to the Superintendent’s Office.  In the event a controversy arises over school or district-based learning resource materials, the Principal shall follow these procedures:
      1. Receive the concerns but make no commitments to the learning resource’s usage.
      2. Invite the complainant to file their concerns in writing, using the approved Application for Reconsideration of Learning Resource (Form 252-1).
      3. Meet with the complainant to attempt to resolve the concern.
      4. Should the complainant feel that their concerns have not been adequately resolved, they may choose to submit Form 252-1 to the office of the Superintendent.
2. Upon receiving Form 252-1 from a complainant, the Superintendent will decide if the resource should be temporarily withdrawn from use prior to the consideration of its appropriateness.
    
   1. Upon direction from the Superintendent, the Principal shall meet with the school Resource Review Committee (appointed by the Principal) which will serve in an advisory capacity. This committee shall include the:
      1. Principal,
      2. Teacher-Librarian, and,
      3. Parent/Guardian representative from the school.
   2. The Committee will meet to discuss the resource and to prepare a written report on its appropriateness. The committee will:
      1. Review the Learning Resource,
      2. Check the general acceptance of the resource,
      3. Consider any values and concerns of the resource, and
      4. Form opinions based on the resource as a whole.
   3. The Principal will retain a copy of the report at the school as well as file a copy of the report with the Superintendent.  The Principal will meet with the Superintendent to discuss the report.  The final decision for the Learning Resource shall rest with the Superintendent after their careful examination of the report and discussion with any school officials or others whom the Superintendent may choose to involve.
3. The Superintendent will inform the complainant of the final decision.