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Proposed policy on parental inspection of books
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Published: November 20, 2008
LOCAL BOARD POLICY 9.3220 (Draft 1)
Parental Inspection of and Objection/Challenge to Instructional Materials
In Board Policy 3200, Selection of Textbooks and Supplementary Materials, the Board established a process for the selection of instructional materials that should meet the State Board requirements and the educational goals of the Burke County Public School System. That process provides an opportunity for parental input in the selection of materials. Parents representing each high school are designated members of the Instructional Reading Selection Committee. This committee will meet annually between the last full month of school and before the beginning of the new school year. Additionally, parent input can be made through public comment via the public meetings laws. Parents are also encouraged to meet with their child's teachers and administrators on a frequent and regular basis.
A. PARENTAL CONCERNS AND RIGHTS
The board recognizes that despite the opportunity to participate in the selection of materials, parents still may have concerns about instructional materials used in the school/school system. Thus, to further involve parents in the education of their children, the board provides opportunities for parents to review instructional materials and to object to the use of materials.
Parents have a right under federal law to inspect all instructional and supplementary materials used in connection with any applicable federally funded programs. Parents also may review all other instructional materials following procedures provided by the school, the superintendent, or found in this policy and in Policy 9.3210.
Parents/Custodians with objections to particular materials selected for use in a classroom involving their children may, through the procedures established here for accommodation of such objections, "opt out" of the use of such materials if such is consistent with the principles of such opt out policy. In addition, parents may also submit challenges to the principal regarding the use of instructional materials in general.
B. ACCOMMODATING OBJECTIONS/CHALLENGES, THE OPT OUT POLICY
1. "Opt Out" Approval
Board Policy 9.3210, Selection of Textbooks and Supplementary Materials, establishes a process for notification of parents whenever Supplemental Materials are selected for use by a teacher. The notification letter gives parents information about the materials and attaches a form whereby parents can give notice to the teacher of their objections to the materials and to ask that an accommodation be made for their child/student. The accommodation in most cases would consist of allowing the student to study an alternative selection of material (also selected by the teacher). If the teacher is able to provide an alternative selection of material that is also satisfactory to the parent and student without further objection, this action is taken and the matter is closed.
2.Challenge/Appeal Procedures
In the event the teacher and the parent are not able to reach a resolution acceptable to both, the objection and/or challenge is given to the principal for his review and determination. The principal, in consultation with the superintendent or his designee, may establish a committee to review the objection or may call a meeting of the appropriate School Media Advisory Committee and/or department chairpersons to consider the objection/challenge. Any challenges or appeals to alternative materials must be made in a timely manner. This period is set at no later than 5 business days from the receipt of the notice from the teacher of the use of such alternative materials. The decision of the principal may be appealed to the superintendent. The decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the Board.
3. Courses of Action
a. If the principal determines that any material violates constitutional or other legal rights of the parents or student, the principal, with advice of the committee and/or department chairpersons may immediately remove the material from instructional use.
b. Alternatively, the principal with advice of the committee and/or department chairpersons may accommodate the particular student and parent in accordance with the opt out policy herein if such is consistent with such policies.
c. If an objection made by a parent or student is not based upon constitutional or legal rights, the principal or the committee may accommodate such objections in accordance with the opt out policy herein.
C. CONSIDERATIONS FOR REMOVAL OF MATERIALS OR ACCOMMODATIONS
In deciding whether to remove materials from the teacher's curriculum and/or accommodate objections and challenges to material selected for use by students, the teacher, principal, Superintendent and/or Board must consider the following factors:
1. Whether, in the removal of the material or in the giving of the accommodation to a student or students, the curriculum is still aligned with the Standard Course of Study as articulated for each grade and class;
2. The overall effect such removal of materials or accommodation for individual students has on the curriculum;
3. The extent of any additional burden placed on the teacher, school or other students that the removal or accommodation would create;
4. The number of other parents/students requesting that the materials be removed or that an accommodation be made;
5. The extent to which any accommodation will result in ostracism or ridicule of a student or students. If possible this factor should be discussed with the parent(s) requesting the accommodation to make them aware of this possibility before making an accommodation.
(NOTE: Wherever the word, "parent" is used herein, such reference also includes the custodian of a student.)
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