News

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Complaint procedure regarding instructional materials

The districts’ board of education recently adopted a new policy regarding complaints concerning instructional materials. Following is a brief outline of the procedures. Board Policy, Administrative Regulation, and Exhibit 1312.2 "Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials" are available at http://www.sbsdk12.org/board/policies/1000.

Step 1-Informal Complaints

Informal complaints from a staff member, district resident, or parent/guardian of a student enrolled in a district school regarding the content or use of any specific instructional material shall be informally discussed with the principal.

Step 2-Formal Complaints

If the complainant is not satisfied with the principal's initial response, the staff member, district resident, or parent/guardian shall present a written complaint to the principal. Upon receiving a complaint, the principal shall acknowledge its receipt and answer any questions regarding procedure. The principal then shall notify the Superintendent or designee and the teacher(s) involved of the complaint.

During the investigation of the complaint, the challenged material may remain in use until a final decision has been reached. However, upon request of the parent/guardian who has filed the complaint, his/her child may be excused from using challenged materials until a resolution has been reached. The teacher shall assign the student an alternate material of equal merit.

Step 3-Superintendent Determination

The superintendent or designee shall determine whether a review committee should be convened to review the complaint.

In general, a committee will only be convened to review challenged materials that are non-state board approved or materials that are not on one of the following lists: California Department of Education’s (CDE) Recommended Literature lists, CDE California Reading List, or English Learner Supplemental Materials-Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Materials lists (in accordance with Assembly Bill 1802).

Step 4-Review Committee

If the superintendent or designee determines that a review committee is necessary, he/she shall appoint a committee composed of administrators and staff members selected from relevant instructional and administrative areas.

Step 5-Appeal to the Governing Board

If the complainant remains unsatisfied, he/she may appeal the superintendent's or the review committee's decision to the board. The board's decision shall be final.