Complaints Regarding Instructional Materials
Please use this form to submit complaints regarding instructional materials as outlined in Board Policy 1312.1.
The Board of Trustees uses a comprehensive process to adopt district instructional materials that is based on selection criteria established by law and Board policy and includes opportunities for the involvement of parents/guardians and community members. Complaints concerning the content or use of instructional materials, including textbooks, supplementary instructional materials, library materials, or other instructional materials and equipment, shall be properly and fairly considered using established complaint procedures.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding instructional materials with their child's teacher and/or the school principal.
The District shall accept complaints concerning instructional materials only from staff, district residents, or the parents/guardians of children enrolled in a district school. When deliberating upon challenged materials, the Superintendent and/or review committee shall consider the educational philosophy of the District, the professional opinions of teachers of the subject and of other competent authorities, reviews of the materials by reputable bodies, the teacher's stated objectives in using the materials, community standards, and the objections of the complainant. Complainants are encouraged to accept the Superintendent's or review committee's decision. However, if the complainant finds that decision unsatisfactory, he/she may appeal the decision to the Board.
Instructional materials used in California public schools must comply with Education Code sections 60040-60045 and 60048 as well as the SBE guidelines in Standards for Evaluating Instructional Materials for Social Content, 2013 Edition(DOC). More information can be found on the California Department of Education Curriculum and Instructional Materials website.