Blake School District
Board Policy

  BP 6161.11 
Instruction

 Supplementary Instructional Materials

***Note:  In McCarthy v. Fletcher the California Court of Appeal clarified that the Board may exclude materials from classroom teaching because they are educationally unsuitable and unrelated to the goals specified in Education Code 233.5, but not simply because the materials contain ideas to which Board or community members object.***

The Governing Board encourages the teacher to use supplementary instructional materials which are relevant to curriculum objectives and compatible with district goals and objectives.  By using such materials, teachers can introduce content and instructional strategies that enrich the curriculum, enhance learning, help students make critical judgments, and stimulate their intellectual growth.  

The Teacher shall carefully preview all supplementary instructional materials in order to ensure that, in their professional judgment, the materials are:

1.  Directly related to the course of study in which they are being used

2.  Appropriate for students' ages and maturity levels  

Supplementary instructional materials must also be consistent with criteria developed for the selection and evaluation of other instructional materials.  If the teacher believes that the materials may be in conflict with district criteria, the teacher shall confer with the Board before using them.

(cf. 6161.1 - Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials)

When using supplementary materials, the teacher shall provide appropriate introductory and follow-up activities.  In addition, the teacher shall ensure that supplementary materials do not supplant the use of basic texts or teaching activities. 

All materials must be used within legal copyright limits.

(cf. 6162.6 - Use of Copyrighted Materials) 

Films

When the teacher desires to show a film that has not been approved by the district or county for use in the grade level taught, the teacher shall preview the film to determine whether in his/her professional judgment it is consistent with district criteria for the selection of instructional materials.  All films must be appropriate for the curriculum and the students' ages.

If the teacher has any questions about how established district criteria apply to the film, he/she shall confer with the principal or designee before showing the film.

(cf. 6141.2 - Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs)
(cf. 6142.1 - Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Instruction)
(cf. 6144 - Controversial Issues)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
233.5  Duty re instruction in morals, manners and citizenship
18111  Exclusion of books by governing board
51510  Prohibited study or supplemental materials
51511  Religious matters properly included
51933  Sex education materials
60010  Definitions
COURT DECISIONS
McCarthy v. Fletcher, (1989) 207 Cal. App. 3d 130

(12/90)  10/95

Adopted:  January 2008