Instructional Materials: IJ-R

The 27J Schools District Departments are responsible for leading the collaborative selection process and reviewing proposals for the adoption of textbooks and other required curriculum materials. Such proposals may originate from individual schools as needs arise, from 27J Schools committees as particular content areas come under review, or from the Superintendent or designee.    
Prior to making a recommendation to the Superintendent, the Department shall:

1.    Form a selection advisory committee which may include, but not be limited to, the following representatives:

●    Members of the Learning Services Division
●    Principals
●    Classroom teachers
●    Library Media Specialist
●    Special education teacher(s)

In evaluating proposed instructional materials, the selection advisory committee shall consider guidance from the Colorado Department of Education, third party reports, evaluations, and reviews, and shall place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice.

2.    Ensure that the selection advisory committee follows a consistent review process that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a.    Developing or revising review and evaluation forms to adapt standard district criteria to the content area. Adopted materials shall:

i.    Align with the district curricular frameworks for the content area under consideration; 
ii.    Align with the defined 21st Century Skills for Colorado Learners; 
iii.    Address students’ needs relevant to instruction in the content area based on available data;
iv.    Enrich and support the curriculum taking into consideration the varied needs, interests, abilities, and maturity levels of students served;
v.    Present material in a manner which is grade level appropriate for students;
vi.    Set forth opposing sides of controversial issues so that students may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical analysis of all media;
vii.    Represent the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American heritage; and
viii.    Show concern for fairness toward all individuals and groups.

b.    Reviewing the materials currently being used in the area of study and determining which of those materials should be retained and which should be replaced.

c.    Surveying the new materials proposed for adoption, as well as new materials available for selection. Samples and information will be collected about all appropriate products that are currently available.

d.    Narrowing the selection to those materials that meet district criteria.

e.    Ensuring that materials are reviewed by those who will be impacted including teachers, parents, and students. 

f.    Forwarding the selection advisory committee’s findings—whether to reject or recommend the proposed materials—to the Department.

3.    Upon receipt of the selection advisory committee’s findings to recommend the proposed materials, calculate and/or negotiate costs with selected vendors. If the selection advisory committee’s findings reject the proposed materials, the Department shall retain and maintain the selection advisory committee’s findings and any additional documentation for two years. 

4.    Make a recommendation to the Superintendent that explains why the selection is needed, details how it aligns with the criteria outlined above, documents how reviewers were involved, and addresses any areas of potential controversy—as applicable—and why the selection is appropriate, given the concerns.

Adopted November 13, 2024