File:
IFAA
TEXTBOOK AND CORE NOVEL/NON-FICTION SELECTION AND ADOPTION
The policy pertains only to the basic textbook and core novels/non-fiction proposed to be
used by a class and/or teacher as the primary source of instruction or study. A ‘basic
textbook” is defined as a book identified as being the most relevant to the major portion
of the content and objectives of a course of study. The book is intended to be used for a
larger segment of time in the course than supplemental or reference textbooks. Core
novel/non-fiction is defined as required reading in the core curriculum.
I.
Selection
A.
Responsibility for the proposal of textbook and core novel/non-fiction
(hereafter referred to as TCNNF) selections is delegated by the Board to
TCNNF Selection Committees, and appointed by the Superintendent or
his/her designee.
B.
Primary criteria for selection of TCNNF shall be the curriculum objectives of
the District and State, to include but not be limited to:
C.
1.
the needs of all learners
2.
materials representative of ethnic, cultural and religious heritages
3.
the social and vocational roles available to both sexes
4.
conflicting points of view of the problems and issues of our time
5.
adequate coverage of historic developments which continue to affect
mankind.
Criteria for selection of novels/non-fiction include:

relationship to the curriculum

themes

quality of the piece of literature

interest level

level of difficulty

approach to instruction
West Chester Area School District. West Chester, PA

teaching materials to be used

recommendations from organizations and/or awards such as:
American Library Association
Language Arts magazine
American Book Awards
Scott O’Dell Award
PA Library Association
Newbery Medal Awards
Booklist Editor’s Choice
II.
Best Books For Young Adults
The Reading Teacher
PA Young Reader’s Choice
Award
Coretta Scott King Award
The English Journal
Journal of Reading
Adoption
A.
Recommendations of a TCNNF Selection Committee will be reviewed by the
Superintendent and referred to the School Board Education Committee with
recommendations for Board action.
B.
The Education Committee of the Board shall report the recommendation of
the Superintendent to the Board and make a motion to approve or not to
approve the recommendation.
C.
Pursuant to Section 803 of the School Code, textbooks and novels/non-fiction
may be adopted by an approval of five or more members of the School Board
in favor of a text recommended by the Superintendent.
D.
Rejection of a specific text by the Board will result in the TCNNF Selection
Committee acting on the Board’s recommendation or the formation of a new
committee.
III.
Inquiry
A.
Formal inquiry regarding the selection of any particular text by the general
public may be made by use of official inquiry forms (KNBA-E).
Revised and adopted 10/24/83; revised 2/22/93; revised November, 1994
West Chester Area School District. West Chester, PA