Policy: 2020
Instruction
Course Design, Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials
The board recognizes its responsibility for improving and growing the schools’ educational programs. To this end, the course designs shall be evaluated, adapted, and developed on a continuing basis. Instructional materials shall be selected to ensure alignment with state learning standards and enable all students to master foundational skills and knowledge to achieve college and career readiness.
I. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of policy and procedure 2020, the following definitions will apply:
A. Course Design is the process that includes identifying and sequencing essential content to support students’ skill development towards state learning standards. Course design involves providing teachers with appropriate instructional materials, professional development, and support systems as they implement the course.
B. Instructional Materials are materials designed for students and their teachers as learning resources to help students acquire facts and skills, develop cognitive processes, and meet state learning standards. Instructional materials may be printed or digital and may include textbooks, technology-based materials, other educational media, and assessments. They may carry different licensing types, from open to all rights reserved. For the purposes of this policy, there are five categories of instructional materials:
Core Instructional Materials are the primary instructional resources for a given course. They are district-approved and provided to all students to help meet learning standards and provide instruction towards course requirements.
Alternative Core Materials are the primary instructional materials for a given course that are used with a subset of students. These materials are intended to replace approved core materials and may be used for specialized course offerings or flexible learning environments.
Intervention Materials are designed to support strategic or intensive intervention for students at risk of not meeting established learning standards. Intervention materials are used with students to accelerate progress toward particular learning goals based on systematic assessment, decision-making, and progress monitoring.
Supplemental Instructional Materials are used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course. These items extend and support instruction. They include, but are not limited to, books, periodicals, visual aids, video, sound recordings, computer software and other digital content.
Temporary Supplemental Materials are those items used in conjunction with the core instructional materials of a course that are of interest or value for a short period of time and are chosen within district-established guidelines. They are not intended to supplant the adopted curriculum nor be used on a regular instructional basis. Examples might include timely articles from relevant, reliable sources, websites, or news broadcasts. The use of temporary supplemental materials for over one year requires consideration of the material as either part of the core instructional material for a course or supplemental material for the course, depending on the nature and scope of the material.
C. The District Curriculum and Instructional Materials Committee (DCIMC) is the body that makes core instructional and alternative core materials adoption recommendations to the School Board based on superintendent- or designee-established procedures. The DCIMC is the body that makes intervention and supplemental materials adoption decisions. Instructional staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of high quality temporary supplemental materials that align to state learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program and developmental level and interests of their students.
II. COURSE DESIGN
The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for course design that provide for the regular review of selected content areas and implementation of any suggested changes and for the involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times.
III. SELECTION AND ADOPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The primary objective in selecting instructional materials is to implement, enrich, and support the educational program of the schools. All instructional materials will be selected in conformance with applicable state and federal laws, goals, and learning standards of the district and state, and Procedure 2020.
The board is responsible for the adoption of all core instructional and alternative core materials used in the district.
The superintendent, or designee, will establish procedures for core instructional material, alternative core, intervention, and supplementary instructional material selection and adoption using criteria around evidence-based practices.
The superintendent, or designee, will ensure that the district maintains a list of all core instructional materials used within the school curriculum and that it is available for public review in-person at the district’s Central Office during business hours for parents or legal guardians of current students in the district.
The board intends for the superintendent to delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all intervention, supplemental, and temporary supplemental materials to the DCIMC and professional staff of the district. This includes preparing all student reading lists.
Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in selecting high quality temporary supplemental materials that align with state learning standards and are appropriate for their students’ instructional programs, developmental levels, and interests.
Cross References:
2022 - Electronic Resources and Internet Safety
2311 - Visual Media
Legal References:
RCW 28A.150.230 District school directors’ responsibilities
RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials – Instructional materials committee
RCW 28A.320.170 Curricula – Tribal history and culture [as amended by SSB 5433]
RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations – Enforcement – Withholding salary warrant for failure
Chapter 28A.640 RCW Sexual Equality
WAC 180-44-010 Responsibilities related to instruction
WAC 392-190-055 Textbooks and instructional materials – Scope – Elimination of bias
RCW 28A.320.233 Student materials – Denial based on protected class prohibited – Complaint procedure
RCW 28A.320.235 Supplemental instructional materials – Policies and procedures – Definitions
RCW 28A.345.130 Model policy and procedure for instructional materials – Diverse and inclusive curricula
Chapter 28A.642 RCW Discrimination Prohibition
Adopted 6/2012
Revised 2/2016, 8/2025, 11/2025