Instructional Materials Review & Reconsideration Policy

Sensitive Materials Policy for Roots Charter High School

Purpose

Roots Charter High School (RCHS) is committed to providing a safe, educational environment that prioritizes student well-being. This policy establishes procedures for selecting, reviewing, and reconsidering instructional materials to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations, including Utah State Rule R277-628.

Definitions

For this policy:

• As defined by law, instructional materials include any content used for educational purposes.
• Sensitive materials refer to objective or subjective sensitive content under state law.
• Objective-sensitive materials meet specific criteria for removal due to inappropriate content.
• Subjective sensitive materials may be deemed sensitive based on local community standards or parental concerns.
• A school community parent is any parent or guardian of a student currently enrolled at or soon to be enrolled at RCHS.
• School setting refers to any physical or virtual environment where education occurs.

Policy for Selecting and Reconsidering Instructional Materials

Roots Charter High School ensures that all instructional materials align with state educational standards and foster a safe learning environment. The process for selecting and reconsidering materials includes the following key components

Selection Process

All materials must be reviewed to ensure they meet educational standards and do not expose students to inappropriate or harmful content. A team of RCHS employees is responsible for identifying any objective-sensitive materials before materials are adopted for instructional use.

Challenging Materials

Parents, guardians, or employees may formally challenge instructional materials if they believe the content is inappropriate. A written request must be submitted to initiate a review.

Review Process

When a challenge is received, a review committee is formed. This committee includes at least one parent from the school community and other members, excluding individuals involved in procuring the materials or the individual who submitted the challenge. The committee will evaluate the material using established objective and subjective sensitive material standards. Decisions are documented, and outcomes are communicated promptly to all stakeholders.

Removal and Disposal of Materials

If materials are determined to be sensitive, they will be physically removed from all school settings. Vendors or publishers will be informed of the decision, and the materials will be disposed of in compliance with legal standards. Removed materials may not be sold or redistributed.

Online Access to Materials

To ensure transparency, RCHS will maintain an online platform where library materials can be reviewed by parents and community members.

Reporting and Compliance

RCHS will adhere to all state reporting requirements. All challenges, decisions, and supporting rationales will be reported to the Superintendent within the required time frame. Materials removed before July 1, 2024, will be reviewed to confirm compliance with updated standards. RCHS will participate in statewide reporting initiatives for sensitive materials.

Compensation for Committee Members

Employees who serve on review committees outside their contracted hours will be compensated for their time and effort.

Communication and Updates

This policy and accompanying procedures will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to maintain compliance with state law and to uphold the safety and well-being of students.

Roots Charter High School is committed to transparency, community engagement, and the highest standards of education while ensuring that all instructional materials reflect the values and needs of the school community.