COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 8
October 17, 2003
REGULATORY
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Local
Adoption of History and Social Science Textbook and Instructional Materials |
The
Constitution of Virginia gives the Board of Education authority to adopt
textbooks and instructional materials for use in the public schools of
Virginia. To fulfill its duty, this year
the Board adopted a multiple list of History and Social Science textbooks and
instructional materials for each core course in grades K-12. Many local school boards are now in the
process of selecting materials to meet local needs from this multiple listing.
Following the
announcement of the adoption list and a period of up to seven months in which
localities may examine and select materials from the list, the local adoptions
must be reported to the Department of Education, 8VAC20-230-20, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+8VAC20-230-20.
A form to
report the History and Social Science textbook and instructional materials
adoptions is attached. Please check the
appropriate box for each grade or course and return this form to Beverly
Thurston by November 15, 2003.
In addition,
the Code of Virginia also states that any local school board may use textbooks
not approved by the board, provided the school board selects the books in
accordance with the regulations put forth by the Board of Education in 8VAC20-230-30, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+8VAC20-230-30. School
divisions must report textbooks and instructional materials they have adopted
that are not approved by the Board of Education. A form to report these materials is attached.
For more
information, please consult the textbook adoption page on the department Web
site at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/mat_review_main.html
or contact Beverly Thurston (bthursto@pen.k12.va.us),
specialist, history and social science, Office of Middle Instructional
Services, at (804) 225-2893.
/administrators/superintendents_memos/2003/reg008a.doc
/administrators/superintendents_memos/2003/reg008b.pdf