School Board of the City of Virginia Beach
Policy 6-61

INSTRUCTION

Instructional Materials/Selection

1. Print Materials
   
   Publications to be used in the classrooms shall be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
   
   1. The licensed staff, representing the various age groups of students and the disciplines in the curriculum, shall have a primary voice in the selection process.
      
   2. Books and other publications shall be selected for the enlightenment and interest of all students. A book shall not be excluded solely for reasons of the race, nationality or political or religious views of the writer.
      
   3. Materials selected should be balanced to present many points of view concerning problems and issues on local, state, national and international levels.
      
   4. Standard evaluation aids such as catalogs and book reviews shall be used where applicable.
      
   5. The factual accuracy, authoritativeness, balance and integrity of the material shall be considered along with the presentation of both the material and ideas therein.
      
      
2. Media Materials
   
   Media materials shall be considered for use on the basis of the following criteria:
   
   1. Appropriateness of the medium.
      
   2. Importance of the subject matter.
      
   3. Contemporary significance or permanent value.
      
   4. Readability and popular appeal.
      
   5. Format, copyright date, and price.
      
   6. Needs of the individual student and the curriculum.
      
   7. Potential use.
      
      
      
3. Animals
   
   The Superintendent may permit animals at school with the principal's permission, providing the animals enhance the educational program.

 

Editor's Notes  

For animal care see School Board Regulation 6-40.1. For library media centers see School Board Policy 6-65.

 

 

Legal References:

Code of Va., § 22.1-238, as amended, Approval of textbooks and appliances; decodability.

Code of Va., § 22.1-253.13:7, as amended, Standard 7. School board policies.

Virginia Board of Education Regulations Governing Textbook Adoption at the Local Level, 8 VAC 20-230, et seq., as amended. 

 

Adopted by School Board: August 21, 1990
Amended by School Board: July 16, 1991
Amended by School Board: July 13, 1993 (Effective August 14, 1993)
Amended by School Board: June 6, 2006