Jeffco Textbook Review

January 2014

Purpose of the Review Process

To review and recommend learning resources that provide major support for instructional programs and align to Colorado Academic Standards and Jeffco’s curriculum.

Board Policy -- IJ

• The district encourages the selection of the best learning resources available for the students and staff of Jeffco Schools and shall assist school personnel in identifying those learning resources through the approval process.

Board Policy – IJ-R

• In a two committee process district professional staff and citizens will review and recommend learning resources that provide major support for instructional program objectives and are required for student use in a unit of study.

How Textbooks Come Up for Approval

Principal/Teachers’ request

Publishers request review

Content Teams’ requestTo complete a series

First Step: Content ReviewCommittee

Members include a balance of: Classroom teachers and/or instructional coaches

with expertise in the content area and level (elementary or secondary) of the textbook under consideration

One member from a school requesting a pilot of the resource

District Content Specialist

Facilitator

Textbook Content Review FormGuide to help determine

if resource is:• aligned to Jeffco

curriculum/Colorado academic standards

• emphasizes research-based instructional practices

• aligned to Board’s end use policies

Content Areas

• English/Language Arts• Social Studies• Science• World Languages • Math

Resource Review Committee Criteria

One and a half year school based pilot of the resource

Available student performance data

Evaluations from piloting teacher and/or students

Content Review Committee TasksServe as an “impartial” jury

Complete a Textbook Review form for each text

Review available evidence

Discuss and make recommendation

Remember…

Jeffco has a standards-based curriculum – it is not resource-based.

There is no perfect resource.

Criteria for Recommendation

Quality of language, illustrations, and photographs to ensure that the materials are not discriminatory and are age appropriate

Any available professional reviews from journals and/or professional associations.

Alignment with and support for the Board’s Ends policies

Textbook Resource Review FormGuide to help determine

if resource is:• age appropriate

• integrates technology

• provides opportunities for interactive student participation

• presents content in a nondiscriminatory manner

Resource Review Committee Tasks

Serve as an “impartial” jury

Complete a Textbook Review form for each text

Review available evidence

Discuss and make recommendation

Remember…

Jeffco has a standards-based curriculum – it is not resource-based.

There is no perfect resource.

Upon Approval by the Resource Review Committee

• Texts are placed in branches of the Jefferson County public library for review by the public for two weeks

• Community comments are reviewed to determine if the committee should be reconvened to reconsider citizen concerns

Recommendation for School Board Approval

Upon approval by the Board of Education, texts are placed on the “Approved Textbook” list and are available for purchase by schools across the district.

Any Questions?