Series 6000: Instruction

6160 Educational Resources and Materials

Consistent with the encouragement from the State Board of Education, the Thomaston Board of Education recognizes the importance of the pursuit of knowledge, personal student development, and the teaching of personal responsibility.

To the degree that resources permit, the Thomaston Board of Education affirms that it is the policy of the school system to provide a wide range of instructional materials on varied levels of difficulty and appeal, to present different points of view and to provide procedures for reviewing instructional materials. Instructional materials should be free of bias in the following areas: gender, race, religion, age, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, and disability.

The final responsibility for providing for educational instructional materials rests with the Board of Education with the selection normally delegated to the administration and professional staff of the Thomaston Schools. Instructional materials include books, other printed materials, and educational media to meet the curricular demands of the system.

To provide complete education, materials presenting differing values, attitudes, and positions on issues should be made available to students in the schools. The maturity of the student and the guidance of the professional staff serve as the basis for the selection of materials.

The use of instructional materials or literary works for legitimate educational reasons does not constitute an endorsement of specific ideas or ideologies. Classics are available and used as a source of cultural knowledge and value. Contemporary materials are selected for their literary or artistic merit and/or in terms of their ability to portray situations of concern to today’s students.

The availability of particular materials in the schools does not imply their approval for all students. The Board recognizes the right of individual students and parents to request an alternate assignment. It should be made clear that the granting of an alternate assignment for that student does not mean the right to prevent other persons from participating in the assignment or activity. Also, the parent’s right under the State statutes to seek exclusion from any family life program will be respected.

In the interest of serving the community and individuals, the Board of Education will review and take action relative to any materials alleged to be inappropriate for educational use.

Challenged material will remain in use in the school pending decisions and conclusions at any level.

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules.

10-228 Free textbooks, supplies, materials and equipment.

10-229 Change of textbooks.

Policy adopted: October 15, 2007 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut