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2002 Resolutions

Establishing a Process for State Adoption of Textbooks and Instructional Materials

Resolution Number 2002-5
March 27, 2002

WHEREAS, the Board of Education’s authority for approving textbooks and other instructional materials is prescribed in the Virginia Constitution and in the Code of Virginia, and the Board of Education’s Regulations Governing Textbook Adoption specifies the types of materials that may be adopted; and

Virginia Constitution; Art. VIII § 5 (d)
It [the Board of Education] shall have authority to approve textbooks and instructional aids and materials for use in courses in the public schools of the Commonwealth.

Code of Virginia, §22.1-238
The Board of Education shall approve textbooks suitable for use in the public schools and shall have authority to approve instructional aids and materials for use in the public schools. Any school board may use textbooks not approved by the Board provided the school board selects such books in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board.

Regulations Governing Textbook Adoption 8 VAC 20-220-30:

Only those materials which are designed to provide basic support for the instructional program of a particular content area at an appropriate level will be adopted.

WHEREAS, in 1991, the Board of Education adopted a resolution delegating its authority for textbook adoption to the superintendent of public instruction; and

WHEREAS, since 1995 the Department of Education has worked with state committees to review and evaluate publishers’ submissions primarily with respect to Standards of Learning (SOL) correlation; and

WHEREAS, the importance of teachers using curricula and materials that are aligned to the Standards of Learning is a major factor contributing to student achievement on the standards;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education adopts the motion to approve textbooks and instructional materials in accordance with the Constitution of Virginia.

Adopted in Richmond, Virginia, This Twenty-Seventh Day of March in the Year 2002

Signature:

Mark C. Christie, President
Board of Education

Adopted in the Minutes of the Virginia Board of Education
March 27, 2002

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