835: Challenge of Learning Resources
Responsible Administrator: Associate Superintendent Education Services
PURPOSE
Sturgeon Public Schools recognizes that parents/guardians may challenge the use of teaching or learning resources used in a school’s educational program.
When a teaching or learning resource is challenged, the principles of freedom to read, listen and view and the professional responsibility of staff in selecting materials must be defensible.
Parents have the right to determine only for their own child(ren) the reading, viewing and listening matter used in instructional programming.
PROCESS
The Associate Superintendent Education Services shall be responsible for maintaining this Administrative Procedure.
PROCEDURE
1. Informal Information Reconsideration
Upon receiving a complaint concerning a teaching or learning resource, the Principal shall attempt to resolve the matter at the school level.
1.1 The Principal or designate shall explain the guiding principles involved in the selection of teaching or learning resources and the manner in which the teaching or learning resource in question is utilized in the school education program.
1.2 The Principal shall make a reasonable effort to comply with a written request from a parent/guardian to restrict access by their child(ren) to a supplemental learning resource.
2. Formal Reconsideration
2.1 If a parent/guardian wishes to pursue a complaint beyond the informal level, a Request for Reconsideration of Teaching or Learning Resources Form shall be completed and forwarded to the Principal.
2.2 The Principal shall forward one copy of the Request for Reconsideration of Teaching or Learning Resources Form to the Associate Superintendent who shall, within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the request, review same and reply to the parent/guardian either rendering a decision on the matter or indicating to the parent/guardian that a recommendation is being made to the Superintendent for a Reconsideration Committee to be established to review the matter.
2.3 If the Superintendent elects to establish a Reconsideration Committee, he/she shall:
2.3.1 Establish the membership and mandate of the Committee.
2.3.2 Establish reasonable timelines for the Committee to be formed, to evaluate the learning resource and to prepare a confidential written report.
2.3.3 Review and consider the recommendation of the Committee and render a decision on the matter to the parent/guardian and the school Principal, within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the Committee’s report.
2.4 The parent/guardian and the school Principal shall have the right to appeal, in writing, to the Board of Trustees within seven (7) business days of receiving the Superintendent’s decision regarding:
2.4.1 A judgment against the establishment of a Reconsideration Committee.
2.4.2 The decision rendered by the Superintendent with regard to the teaching or learning resource.
2.5 Exhibit 1
2.5.1 Request for Reconsideration of Teaching or Learning Resources Form
Reference:
Board Policy: 245 Appeals Regarding Student Matters
AP835 Exhibit 1: Request for Reconsideration of Teaching or Learning Resources Form
Education Act: Sections 58, 196, 197, 222
Alberta Education Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 “Controversial Issues”
Canadian Library Association Position Statement on Intellectual Freedom
History
2020 Jan 29 Initial Approval
2020 Jul 24 Amended
Administrative Procedures VIII. Curriculum and Instruction