COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 10
October 29, 2004
REGULATORY
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Local Adoption of K-12 Science and K-5 Reading Textbooks and Instructional Materials |
The
Constitution of Virginia gives the Virginia 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 science and K-5 reading textbooks and instructional
materials. Many local school boards
have now selected materials to meet local needs from these lists of adopted
materials.
Following
the announcement of the adoption lists 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, as stated in the Code
of Virginia, 8VAC20-230-20, http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+8VAC20-230-20.
Forms
to report the science and K-5 reading textbooks and instructional materials
adoptions are attached. Please check
the appropriate box for each grade or course and return this form to Beverly
Thurston by December 15, 2004.
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 also attached.
For
more information, please consult the textbook adoption page on the department
website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/mat_review_main.html
or contact Beverly Thurston (bthursto@pen.k12.va.us),
coordinator, textbook adoption, Office of Middle Instructional Services, at
(804) 225-2893.
JLD/BMT/yba
Attachments
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/reg010a.doc
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/reg010b.doc
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/reg010c.doc