Listed below are exhibits regarding selection and evaluation of instructional materials.
Exhibit A - Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials
Exhibit B - Checklist for the Review and Evaluation of Instructional Materials -- Non-fiction
Exhibit C - Checklist for the Review and Evaluation of Instructional Materials -- Fiction 1
This form is designed to assist your school administration and the district review committees in the evaluation of the instructional materials with which you are concerned. You can be most helpful by answering completely all parts of this form. You may use additional pages or enclose attachments if you so desire. Please return this completed form to your school principal. Thank you for your interest in our school program.
THIS REQUEST CONCERNS THE FOLLOWING ITEM OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL:
TYPE: _____Book _____Periodical
_____Audiovisual (Specify kind - movie, filmstrip, videotape, etc.) __________________
TITLE:_______________________________________________________________________
AUTHOR:____________________________________________________________________
PUBLISHER & COPYRIGHT (if known):___________________________________________
The following questions are phrased for the evaluation of books, but they may also be adapted to other materials.
1. How was this item brought to your attention? _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Did you read the entire book? _____yes _____no
3. To what material in the book do you object: (Please be specific. Cite pages and quota-
tions.) ___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
4. Are you considering the book as a whole? _____yes _____no
5. What do you believe is the theme or "message" of this book?_____________________
_________________________________________________________________________
6. Was there anything of value in the book?_____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
7. What do you feel might be the result of a student reading or using this book in a learning
situation?__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
8. Are you aware of the judgment of this book by literary critics and/or educators?
_____yes _____no
9. For what age group would you recommend this book?______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
10. What book of equal literary quality would you recommend that would convey the same concept or perspective of the topic as the book under consideration?___________________
_________________________________________________________________________
11. What would you recommend be done with this book?____________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your cooperation in completing this form. You will be notified of all action taken by the district concerning your request.
(PLEASE PRINT)
NAME_______________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS__________________________________________________PHONE___________
CITY _________________________________________________ ZIP CODE _____________
If you are a spokesperson for anyone other than yourself and your immediate family, please name the organization you are representing.
NAME OF ORGANIZATION _____________________________________________________
SIGNATURE__________________________________________________DATE___________
DATE RECEIVED _______________________
PRINCIPAL'S SIGNATURE ______________________________________________________
Title ____________________________________________________________________
Author __________________________________________________________________
Publisher __________________________________________ Copyright________________
Grade level where material is being used ___________________________________________
YES NO
A. PURPOSE
1. Is the purpose of the material accomplished? ____ ____
2. Does the material promote the educational goals of the district? ____ ____
B. AUTHENTICITY
1. Is the material accurate and objective? ____ ____
2. Is the material up-to-date? ____ ____
3. Is the author competent and qualified? ____ ____
4. Is the publisher or producer reputable? ____ ____
C. CONTENT
1. Does the content meet the needs of the curriculum? ____ ____
2. Is the content well-presented and organized? ____ ____
3. Does the material present information not otherwise available? ____ ____
4. Does the material give new dimensions or direction to its subject? ____ ____
5. Are the following aids to learning provided?
a. Table of contents? ____ ____b. Glossary? ____ ____
c. Index? ____ ____
d. Pronunciation key? ____ ____
e. Appendices? ____ ____
f. Bibliographies? ____ ____
g. Visual aids (pictures, maps, charts, etc.)? ____ ____
6. Is the material free from bias and stereotyping? ____ ____
Title ____________________________________________________________________
Author __________________________________________________________________
Publisher __________________________________________ Copyright________________
Grade level where material is being used ___________________________________________
YES NO
A. PURPOSE
1. Is the purpose, theme, or message of material accomplished? ____ ____
2. Does the purpose, theme, or message promote the educational goals
of the district? ____ ____
3. Are the questionable elements of the story an integral part of the
purpose, theme or message? ____ ____
B. CONTENT
1. Does the story give a realistic picture of the time in which it is set? ____ ____
2. When factual information is given, is it presented accurately? ____ ____
3. Is there good plot construction with logical development? ____ ____
4. Is the character development true to the events of the story? ____ ____
5. Is the dialogue appropriate for the time and setting? ____ ____
6. Is prejudice presented in a manner readily identifiable by the reader? ____ ____
7. Is the material presented in a manner readily identifiable by the reader? ____ ____
8. Is the material presented in a manner which does not offend an
individual or group? ____ ____
9. Does the material give a broader understanding of human behavior or
the customs or way of life of a particular group? ____ ____
10. Does the material make a significant contribution to the field of literature? ____ ____
C. APPROPRIATENESS
1. Is the theme appropriate for the grade level? ____ ____
2. Is the content appropriate for the grade level? ____ ____
3. Does the material present information not otherwise available? ____ ____
4. Is the language in good taste and appropriate for the grade level? ____ ____