Administrative Regulation 6161.11- Supplemental Instructional Materials

Supplementary instructional materials are resources used in addition to Board-adopted or District-piloted core curriculum. They are not meant to replace the core materials but to enhance and support student learning in alignment with district standards and goals.

Supplementary materials must: Be aligned with District goals, curriculum objectives, and academic standards; Supplement and not supplant the use of Board-adopted, or District pilot, basic instructional materials that serve as the primary learning resources; As appropriate, meet the criteria developed for the selection and evaluation of basic instructional materials; Be directly related to the course of study in which they are being used; Be appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students.

Teachers are responsible for previewing supplementary materials to determine whether they are appropriate to the grade level taught and consistent with District criteria, based on their professional judgment. If unsure, they must confer with the Superintendent or designee* to ensure materials meet District criteria.

Parents/guardians should first address concerns with their child’s teacher and/or principal. If unresolved:

• They can submit a feedback form to the Superintendent or designee*.
• The form must include specific details, such as the material title, teacher, class, date of use, and a clear description of concerns.

 Not necessarily. Feedback that provides evidence that materials do not meet District supplemental materials criteria will be considered for review,  and evidence of supplementary materials that create an unsafe learning environment or that negatively affect a student’s civil rights shall be prioritized for review.  Review will not occur solely based on a dislike of the ideas contained in the materials. 

The feedback form is available through the school site principal. If a parent/guardian raises a concern that cannot be resolved with the teacher or principal, the form should be provided for submission to the Superintendent or designee.

If a teacher plans to use a new supplementary resource which is not included in the approved learning resources of the District:

• They must preview the material to ensure it meets the District’s selection criteria.
• If needed, they must consult with the Superintendent or designee for review.

The Superintendent or designee will:

• Consult with the staff member who proposed the material.
• Consider educational value, relevance, appropriateness, and alignment with District criteria.
• Materials under review will not be used until the Superintendent or designee makes a final determination.

A designee may include a Department Chair/LEAD, Assistant Principal, Principal, or Central Office staff — but they must be officially designated by the Superintendent before conducting a review. 

Core curriculum refers to the instructional materials formally adopted by the Board or piloted by the District and used as the primary teaching resources.

Supplementary materials are used to enrich or support the core curriculum, not replace it.

No. If a resource is under review, it must not be used in the classroom until a final determination is made by the Superintendent or designee.

No. Materials will not be reviewed or removed solely because someone dislikes the ideas expressed. A review must be supported by evidence that the material violates District supplemental materials criteria.  Review is prioritized when there is evidence that the materials create an unsafe environment, or infringe on students’ civil rights.