Policy 2020

The board recognizes its responsibility for improving and growing the schools’ educational programs. To this end, course designs will be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis.  Instructional materials shall be selected to ensure alignment with state learning standards and enable all students to master foundational skills and knowledge to achieve college and career readiness.

Definitions

For the purpose of policy and procedure 2020, the following definitions will apply:

Course Design is the process that includes identifying and sequencing essential content to support students’ skill development towards state learning standards. Course design involves providing teachers with appropriate instructional materials, professional development, and support systems for teachers as they implement the course.

Instructional Materials are materials designed for students and their teachers as learning resources to help students acquire facts and skills, to develop cognitive processes and meet state learning standards. These instructional materials may be printed or digital, and may include textbooks, technology-based materials, other educational media, and assessments. They may carry different licensing types from open to all rights reserved. For the purposes of this policy, there are five categories of instructional materials:

Core Instructional Materials are the primary instructional resources for a given course. They are district-approved and provided to all students to help meet learning standards and provide instruction towards course requirements.

Alternative Core Materials are the primary instructional materials for a given course used with a subset of students. These materials are intended to replace approved core materials and may be used for specialized course offerings or flexible learning environments.

Intervention Materials are designed to support strategic or intensive intervention for students at risk of not meeting established learning standards. Intervention materials are used with students to accelerate progress toward particular learning goals based on systematic assessment, decision-making, and progress monitoring. 

Supplemental Materials are used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course that are not expressly required by the school or district and are instead selected at a teacher’s discretion. These items extend and support instruction. They include, but are not limited to, books, periodicals, visual aids, video, sound recordings, computer software and other digital content.

Temporary Supplemental Materials are those items used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course that are of interest or value for a short period and are chosen within district-established guidelines. They are not intended to supplant the adopted curriculum nor be used on a regular instructional basis. Examples might include timely articles from relevant, reliable sources, websites, or news broadcasts. The use of temporary supplemental materials for over one year requires consideration of the material as either part of the core instructional material for a course or supplemental material for the course depending on the nature and scope of the material.

Instructional Materials Committee is the body that recommends core instructional materials to the School Board based on superintendent-established procedures.

Course Design

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for course design that provide for the regular review of selected content areas and implementation of any suggested changes and provide for the involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times.

Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials 

The primary objective in selecting instructional materials is to implement, enrich and support the educational program of the schools.  All instructional materials shall be selected in conformance with applicable state and federal laws, goals and/or learning standards of the district and state, and procedure 2020P. 

The board is responsible for adopting all core instructional materials used in the district.

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for core material, alternate core, and intervention material selection and adoption using criteria around evidence-based practices.

The superintendent or designee will ensure that the district maintains a list of all core instructional materials used within the school curriculum and that it is available for public review either in-person or online.

The board intends for the superintendent to delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all supplemental and temporary supplemental materials to the district’s professional staff. This includes preparing all student reading lists. Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in selecting high quality supplemental materials that align with state learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program and developmental level and interests. 

Cross References: Policy 2027 District Ownership of Staff Created Work

Legal References: RCW 28A.150.230 District school directors’ responsibilities

RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials  Instructional materials committee – Complaint system
RCW 28A.320.170 Curricula – Tribal history and culture
RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations Enforcement  Withholding salary warrant for failure
Chapter 28A.640 RCW Sexual Equality
WAC 392-190-055 Textbooks and instructional materials Instructional materials policy – Elimination of bias
RCW 28A.320.233 Student materialsDenial based on protected class prohibitedComplaint procedure
RCW 28A.320.235 Supplemental instructional materialsPolicies and proceduresDefinitions
RCW 28A.345.130 Model policy and procedure for instructional materialsDiverse and inclusive curricula
Chapter 28A.642 RCW Discrimination Prohibition

Management Resources:
2025 – April Issue
2015 – December Issue
2015 – April Policy Issue
2011 – June Issue

Classification: Critical 4.25
La Center School District
Adopted: June 26, 2007; Revised October 25, 2016, February 25, 2026