The School Board recognizes its responsibility for the improvement and growth of the educational program of the schools. To this end, course designs shall be evaluated, adapted and developed on a continuing basis. Instructional materials (tools as printed, filmed, electronic, digital media, technology-based or recorded materials including Open Educational Resources which are used for instruction and to meet the grade level/course requirements and the needs of children in the classroom) 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. 

The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures for curriculum development, which provide for regular review of standards and selection of instructional materials.  Where appropriate, the process should include the involvement of community representatives, staff members, and content experts. School principals are responsible for implementing a school-wide program of study that ensures access to college and career pathways for all students.

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

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

Instructional Materials are all materials designed for use by students and their teachers as learning resources. These instructional materials, used to help students meet state learning standards, 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:

I. Core Materials are those materials that are instrumental to the implementation and instruction of a course of study by outlining major concepts that are necessary for completion and advancement in a course of study. Core materials are selected through a process that may require the use of the Instructional Materials Committee based on the district’s procedures, and are then recommended for final adoption by the School Board.

          a. 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.

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

II. Supporting Materials are those materials that are not core to the instruction of a given course and are intended to be used by staff when such use will assist students in meeting course requirements.

          a. Intervention Materials are designed to support strategic or intensive intervention for students who are 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.

          b. Supplemental Materials are used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course. 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.

          c. 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 of time 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 time periods of 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 regularly reviews course design and makes recommendations regarding potential adoptions of core instructional materials to the School Board based on the Superintendent-established procedure(s).

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 involvement of community representatives and staff members at the appropriate time(s).

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 will be selected in conformance with:

A. Applicable state and federal laws;

B. Goals and/or learning standards of the district and state; and

C. Procedures established by the Instructional Materials Committee which address the criteria detailed in the corresponding procedure 2020P.

The School Board is responsible for the adoption of all core 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 will ensure that a listing of all core instructional materials used within the school is maintained in the District and is available for public review either in person or online.

The intent of the Board is that the Superintendent delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all supplemental and temporary supplemental materials to the professional staff of the District.  Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of high quality supplemental materials that align to the State learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program and learning needs of their students. 

Legal References:
Basic Education Act - District school directors responsibilities- RCW 28A.150.230
Instructional materials - Instructional materials committee - RCW 28A.320.230
Course of study and regulations - Enforcement - Withholding salary warrant for failure - RCW 28A.405.060
Sexual Equality - Chapter 28A.640 RCW
Responsibilities related to instruction - WAC 180-44-010
Textbooks and instructional materials - Scope Elimination of sex bias -compliance timetable - WAC 392-190-055

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: August 1984
Revised by the Board: 1.08, 12.12; 9.15
Classification: Essential