Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Instructional Materials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves instructional materials after heated debate over "White Bird" and political neutrality
Summary
The board approved a set of instructional materials after a divided discussion over a graphic novel titled White Bird and whether classroom materials should be judged for political neutrality; a substitute motion to exclude White Bird tied and the original motion passed.
The Davis School District Board of Education approved a package of instructional materials after a contentious discussion over political neutrality and parental notification for sensitive content.
The instructional-materials committee staff explained the review process: committee members read candidate texts in full, evaluate complexity, SLAPS value (serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value) and recommend grade-level appropriateness. TJ, a district staff member on the committee, said, "the committee reads the book in its entirety, and then they have a pretty lengthy discussion as to what grade level it would be appropriate for." He added the committee balances literary value and potential sensitivities.
Board discussion focused on one title, White Bird, and on the district standard cited by several board members requiring instructional materials to be objective and to "provide a balanced viewpoint of ideas." Trustee Miss Powell argued the district should "recommit to maintaining the integrity of political neutrality in our schools" and said she would move to exclude White Bird from approval. Powell also raised a separate concern about notifying parents of specific sensitive content in some titles, citing examples such as mild profanity and scenes some parents might find objectionable.
Powell made a substitute motion to approve the instructional materials package with White Bird excluded. That substitute motion resulted in a 4–4 split on the board, so it failed and the board returned to the original motion. The original motion to approve the full exhibit then passed by voice vote.
Staff said teachers may receive advance notice of upcoming texts in class syllabi and that parents retain the right to object under district procedures; committee members emphasized that teachers are expected to present materials objectively and to facilitate classroom discussion without promoting partisan positions.
The board did not adopt a district-wide supplemental directive at this meeting requiring teachers to provide additional pre-notice beyond standard course materials disclosure; trustees urged continued dialogue with parents and staff about communication practices.
