Adopted: February 1978
Revised: October 2025
Download 603.3AR - Selection of Instructional Resources
1. Purpose and Definition – The purpose of this regulation is to provide direction for selection of textbooks and other instructional resources. Instructional resources are defined in District Policy 603, Instructional Resources.
2. Responsibilities of District Personnel Who Select Instructional Resources
2.1 District personnel involved with the selection of instructional resources are charged with the responsibility to:
2.1.1 Provide resources that will support and enrich the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, learning styles and maturity levels of students served.
2.1.2 Provide resources that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, critical analysis of differing sides of issues, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and recognition of various societal values.
2.1.3 Place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of resources in order to assure a comprehensive collection of instructional resources appropriate for the complete education of all students.
2.2 District teachers who want a person who is not a district employee to speak to their students must do the following:
2.2.1 Complete District Procedure 603.3.2P, Request for Use of Outside Speaker, and submit it to their principal for approval at least eight school days in advance of the proposed speaking date.
2.2.2 If the request is approved by the principal and the principal requires advance notification of parents, send notification of the speaker home to parents at least five school days in advance of the proposed speaking date. The notification must include the speaker's name, the group or organization the person represents (if any), the topic of the presentation and a brief comment on how that topics fits into the curriculum.
3. Selection Process
3.1 The Instruction and Achievement Department will oversee the selection of instructional resources in accordance with state law and district policy.
3.2 Administrators, teachers, students, other school district personnel and community persons may make recommendations for purchase.
3.3 Donated resources should be judged by the listed criteria and should be accepted or rejected on the basis of the criteria. (Refer to District Administrative Regulation 703.5.1AR, Gifts, for more information.)
3.4 It is understood that selection is an ongoing process performed by education professionals. This process includes the removal of resources which are no longer appropriate or resources which are out-of-date, damaged, worn or lost. The routine removal of resources on these bases by education professionals is not subject to the reconsideration process.
3.5 Once an item has been selected and acquired, it becomes a part of the collection and, if the resource is questioned, the reconsideration process (District Administrative Regulation 603.4AR, Reconsideration of Instructional Resources and, if applicable, 603.6AR, Library Materials) must be followed.
3.6 Selection of library material is subject to Administrative Regulation 603.6AR, Library Materials.
4. Criteria for Selection - In reviewing textbooks and instructional materials during the selection process, the professional staff shall select materials that:
4.1 Support the curriculum goals of District 196 and specific courses;
4.2 Support and enrich the curriculum, and meet the needs of individual students;
4.3 Be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, and social development of students for whom the resources are selected;
4.4 Provide a background of information designed to motivate students to examine their own attitudes and behavior; to comprehend their duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges as participating citizens in our society and to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives;
4.5 Represent a diversity of views and expression, and differing sides of issues to promote critical thinking and objective evaluation skills under professional guidance. (Selection of a work does not constitute agreement with the content.);
4.6 As far as possible, accurately reflect contributions and achievements of individuals and groups from various racial, social, ethnic, gender, cultural and religious backgrounds, and persons with disabilities. In cases where instructional resources do not meet this criteria, they should be used in a manner that helps students gain insights into the existence of bias in both print and non-print materials;
4.7 Be of high quality appropriate to the level of students while considering curriculum objectives and availability of resources,
4.8 Be selected for its strengths as a whole,
4.9 Fit within the constraints of the school district budget; and
4.10 Are examined by qualified personnel, with consideration given to professional reviews and the reputation of the author/creator.
References:
- Minn. Stat. § 120A.22, Subd. 9 (Compulsory Instruction)
- Minnesota Statute 120B.20, Parental curriculum review
- Minn. Stat. § 120B.235 (American Heritage Education)
- Minn. Stat. § 123B.02, Subd. 2 (General Powers of Independent School Districts)
- Minn. Stat. § 123B.09, Subd. 8 (School Board Responsibilities)
- Minn. Stat. § 124D.59-124D.61 (Education for English Learners Act)
- Minn. Stat. § 127A.10 (State Officials and School Board Members to be Disinterested; Penalty)
- MSBA/MASA Model Policy 606, Textbooks and Instructional Materials
- MSBA/MASA Model Policy 605.5, Library Materials