Instructional Materials Policy – SPS Washington

Instructional Materials, Course Design, and Review of Instructional Materials

I. Purpose

Summit Public Schools Washington (“Summit”) is committed to providing high-quality instructional materials that support rigorous academic learning and reflect the diverse experiences of students. This policy establishes a framework for the selection and use of instructional materials, ensures transparency for families, and provides a fair, administrative process for reviewing concerns.

II. Instructional Philosophy

Instructional materials are selected to support Summit’s model. Materials shall:

  • Align with Washington State Learning Standards.
  • Promote critical thinking and mastery of core competencies.
  • Reflect diverse perspectives and inclusive content.
  • Provide educators the flexibility to adapt instruction to individual student needs.

III. Categories of Instructional Materials

  1. Core Instructional Materials: Primary resources used across a course or subject (e.g., base curriculum on the digital platform).
  2. Alternative Core Materials: Curriculum used for specialized programs or targeted needs (e.g., ELD or Special Education).
  3. Supplemental Materials: Resources used by educators to extend, reinforce, or enrich instruction.
  4. Temporary Materials: Short-term resources such as articles, multimedia, or current events content.

IV. Authority for Selection

  • The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Academic Officer, or designee thereof is authorized to approve all instructional materials used within Summit schools.
  • Executive Directors, Deans of Culture and Instruction, and Educators may recommend or pilot materials that align with the educational program.
  • The Board of Directors retains high-level oversight of the academic program but delegates the specific selection and review of materials to the CEO/CAO/Designee.

V. Selection Criteria

Materials are selected based on:

  • Alignment with Washington State Learning Standards.
  • Evidence of instructional effectiveness and academic rigor.
  • Accessibility for diverse learners and technological sustainability.
  • Representation of diverse cultures and perspectives.

VI. Parent Access to Materials

Summit maintains an open-door approach to curriculum transparency.

  • Parents and guardians may review core instructional materials used in their child’s courses upon reasonable request to the School Leader.
  • Summit will maintain a list of primary curriculum materials used within its educational program.

VII. Request for Review of Instructional Materials

Summit recognizes that parents or guardians may occasionally have concerns regarding specific instructional materials. This pathway ensures concerns are reviewed thoughtfully while preserving professional educator judgment and program integrity.

Phase 1: Informal Resolution

Parents or guardians are encouraged to first discuss concerns with the classroom teacher and/or the Dean of Culture and Instruction. In many cases, concerns can be resolved by discussing the instructional purpose and context of the material.

Phase 2: Formal Request for Review

If the concern is not resolved informally, a parent or guardian of a currently enrolled student may submit a written Request for Review of Instructional Materials to the Executive Director. The request must include:

  • The title and description of the material.
  • The specific nature of the concern.
  • The action requested (e.g., reconsideration, restriction, or removal).

Phase 3: Administrative Review

  1. The Executive Director will review the material and its alignment with standards, potentially consulting with curriculum staff.
  2. If the concern remains unresolved at the school level, the request is forwarded to the Chief Academic Officer or designee.

Phase 4: Final Determination

The Chief Academic Officer or designee will review the material and issue a written determination. The Chief Academic Officer may:

  • Determine the material remains appropriate for use.
  • Determine the material should be used with modification or additional context.
  • Determine the material should be replaced or discontinued.

The Chief Academic Officer may, at their discretion, convene an Instructional Materials Advisory Committee (“IMAC”) consisting of educators, leaders, and/or community members to provide an advisory recommendation.

VIII. Finality and Recordkeeping

  • Final Decision: The determination of the Chief Academic Officer or designee represents the final administrative decision. The Board of Directors may review the determination at its discretion but is not required to do so.
  • Frequency: Materials that have undergone a formal review will generally not be reconsidered for three years unless the instructional context changes materially.
  • Records: Summit will maintain records of adopted core materials, written requests for review, and formal determinations.