Policy Manual

E-120-AP: Learning Resources: Challenged

References:

• E-120
• E-120-AR
• B-150
• C-640
  
  

1. A principal receiving a challenge to the use of a specific resource, is first to attempt to resolve the issue informally, by:
   1. meeting with the challenger to understand the nature of the challenge;
   2. explaining to the challenger the resource selection criteria;
   3. explaining to the challenger the rationale for the selection of the resource and its appropriateness to the course or program; and
   4. providing the challenger with a copy of the division policy on Learning Resources: Challenges to - and a copy of the Request for Reconsideration of Learning Resources form (Appendix I).
2. Upon receipt of a formal written challenge of a learning resource, the principal is to respond in a timely way.  The principal is responsible to:
   1. form a reconsideration committee consisting of:
      1. one member of the school's teaching staff selected by the staff;
      2. one member of the school's library staff;
      3. one parent selected in consultation with School Council; and
      4. one student selected at the discretion of the principal;
   2. designate the chair of the reconsideration committee;
   3. set a meeting date for the committee to consider the formal request for reconsideration, as soon as possible after the formal challenge is received;
   4. receive a written report from the committee and discuss it with the challenger and
   5. provide the division’s policy on appeals to the challenger if he/she is dissatisfied with the formal reconsideration and wishes to appeal the decision of the school to the Superintendent of Schools.
3. The reconsideration committee is to deliberate using these guidelines:
   1. examine the challenged learning resource;
   2. read critical reviews of the resource;
   3. when appropriate, discuss the challenged resource with the challenger to clarify the basis of the challenge;
   4. determine the appropriateness of the resource to its intended use in the school's educational program; and
   5. prepare a written report accepting or rejecting the challenge.