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E-120-AP: Learning Resources: Challenged
References:
- E-120
- E-120-AR
- B-150
- C-640
- A principal receiving a challenge to the use of a specific resource, is first to attempt to resolve the issue informally, by:
- meeting with the challenger to understand the nature of the challenge;
- explaining to the challenger the resource selection criteria;
- explaining to the challenger the rationale for the selection of the resource and its appropriateness to the course or program; and
- 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).
- 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:
- form a reconsideration committee consisting of:
- one member of the school's teaching staff selected by the staff;
- one member of the school's library staff;
- one parent selected in consultation with School Council; and
- one student selected at the discretion of the principal;
- designate the chair of the reconsideration committee;
- set a meeting date for the committee to consider the formal request for reconsideration, as soon as possible after the formal challenge is received;
- receive a written report from the committee and discuss it with the challenger and
- 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.
- form a reconsideration committee consisting of:
- The reconsideration committee is to deliberate using these guidelines:
- examine the challenged learning resource;
- read critical reviews of the resource;
- when appropriate, discuss the challenged resource with the challenger to clarify the basis of the challenge;
- determine the appropriateness of the resource to its intended use in the school's educational program; and
- prepare a written report accepting or rejecting the challenge.