Policy 2020 - Course Design, Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials

The board recognizes its responsibility for the improvement and growth of the educational program of the schools. To this end, the course designs will be evaluated, adapted, and developed on a continuing basis. Instructional materials shall be selected to ensure alignment with district and state standards to support the development of well-rounded students with the foundational skills and knowledge to achieve college and career readiness. 

I. Course Design 

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for course design that: 

  1. Provide for the regular review of selected content areas and implementation of any suggested changes. 
  2. Provide for involvement of community representatives and staff members at appropriate times. 

II. 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: 

  1. Applicable state and federal laws; 
  2. Goals and/or learning standards of the district and state; and 
  3. Procedure 2020. 

The school board is legally responsible for adopting all core instructional materials used in the district. Instructional materials shall be adopted by the Board prior to their use in school. 

III. Middle School Courses 

Course offerings for required core courses will be consistent amongst the middle schools. Core courses are defined as math, science, English language arts, and social studies. Advanced (highly capable, accelerated learning, etc. ) courses will be consistent amongst the middle schools. 

Elective courses will be optional, with the exception of the Washington State requirement for health and physical education. 

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for core materials, alternate core, and intervention 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 either in person or online. 

The board intends for the superintendent to delegate responsibility for examining, evaluating, and selecting all supplemental and temporary supplemental materials to the professional staff of the district. This includes preparing all student reading lists and internet-based video (including but not limited to sources such as news, online lessons, lectures, speeches, science and history demonstrations, YouTube, etc.). Staff will rely on reason and professional judgment in the selection of high-quality supplemental materials that align to district and state learning standards and are appropriate for the instructional program, developmental level and interests of their students. 

Legal References:

RCW 28A.150.230 District school directors’ responsibilities 
RCW 28A.320.230 Instructional materials - Instructional materials committee 
RCW 28A.320.170 Tribal history and culture [as amended by SSB 5433] 
RCW 28A.405.060 Course of study and regulations – Enforcement – Withholding salary warrant for failure 
Ch. 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 
Ch. 28A.642 RCW Discrimination Prohibition 
 

Adoption:

Adopted: December 10, 1985 
Revised: April 1999 
Revised: June 2011 
Revised: April 2015 
Revised: October 7, 2015 
Revised: July 8, 2025 
 

(Formerly #2311)