INSTRUCTION

Review and Challenge of Instructional Materials

Instructional materials, whether basal, supplemental, or library materials, may be challenged by a citizen of the city of Virginia Beach at the school or division level.

Parents/legal guardians may review any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for the student. Upon a request by a parent/legal guardian to review such material, the principal or designee will make such material available within five (5) business days. If the instructional material is not provided within such time, the parent/legal guardian may appeal such denial to the School Board under Policy 5-6 and Regulation 5-6.1.

A. School Level

1. Upon the receipt of a complaint, the principal will schedule a conference with the complainant and the person using the material. All parties at this conference will be apprised in advance of the material being challenged and provided adequate time for review of materials.

2. If the complainant requests the material be withdrawn from use with his or her child, the principal may honor the request if he or she decides that the substitution of other instructional material is appropriate.

3. Material may not be withdrawn from use with other students unless the decision is made to do so after following the process in this regulation.

4. If the complainant desires further action, the principal will provide the form "Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials" for the complainant to complete.

5. Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal will set up a committee to review the completed form, study the materials in question, determine if the material meets established school division objectives, and respond in writing to the complainant with the committee's decision.

6. Should the complainant wish to appeal the decision, the principal will notify the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services in writing.

B. Division Level

1. The Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services will establish elementary and secondary standing committees to review requests for reconsideration of materials.

2. The committee will assess the material and submit a written response to the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services.

3. The Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services will inform the Division Superintendent of the committee's decision.

4. With the Division Superintendent's concurrence, the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services will notify the complainant of the review committee's decision.

C. School Board

1. If the complainant desires further action, the Chairman of the School Board will determine the review and/or hearing process to be employed by the School Board in each case.

2. Should the challenge of instructional materials occur at the School Board level, the Chairman may respond as follows:

"The Virginia Beach City School Board has developed a policy with accompanying regulations for reconsideration of instructional materials. In keeping with this policy, you are directed to contact the Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services."

Approved by Superintendent: July 16, 1991
Revised by Superintendent: September 9, 2003