Challenged Instructional Resources
The Loudoun County School Board provides a wide variety of instructional resources to support and enrich the educational program of the schools. An instructional resource is any resource used in schools to include digital, curriculum, library, and display resources, as well as any programming resources. Instructional resources are used to complement School Board adopted textbooks. (Policy 5045 & Policy 5046)
Instructional materials and library materials should be selected in accordance with the objectives outlined in LCPS School Board Policies 5045 and 5046. Primary instructional resources are covered under the LCPS School Board Textbook Adoption policy (Policy 5130).
A school library collection is curated to serve the informational needs of the school community and it will have books that span across grade and interest levels. The library collection must meet the instructional and general interest needs of all the students in the school. The school library is a place of choice and students have a voice in selecting their reading materials.
Classroom libraries complement the school library and are available to students for additional choice reading. They supplement the core curriculum and are another place of student choice.
LCPS recognizes that parents should guide their children in the selection of choice instructional resources, and there are times when a resource may not align with their family values. In such a situation, we invite parents to meet with the teacher or librarian of the school, to collaboratively select alternate recommendations or solutions. If the parent is not happy with the resolution and would like to challenge the book formally, they should reach out to the school principal.
FAQs
What should parents/guardians do when their child has selected or has been assigned a resource that they are concerned about?
When a parent has questions or is concerned about an instructional resource, they should start with the teacher of the class or the librarian at the school. Teachers and librarians will work with parents to answer questions, understand their concerns and work to provide alternate texts.
How can a parent request that books or other instructional materials be reconsidered not only for their own child but for all students?
The process for challenging instructional resources starts at the school level by contacting the principal. The complete process is outlined in LCPS School Board Policy 5045 Selection, Review, and Challenge of Instructional Resources. To request a reconsideration of instructional resources, submit the form.