Agenda

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Ad Hoc Committee

Meeting Date:	11/11/2013
Item Title: CHALLENGE TO EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL
Requested by:	Leo Hudetz	Prepared by:	Monica Henderson
Recommended Action:	As Appropriate

Information

Executive Summary:

A written request for reconsideration of media was submitted for the book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. Following the request for reconsideration, the district brought together a review committee to review the request. During the time of the review all committee members read the book in question as well as numerous reviews on the book. The committee unanimously agreed that the novel should remain on the reading list for the sophomore English curriculum. After the decision made by the review committee,an appeal was made regarding the committee's decision to the District Clerk in accordance with Procedure 2311-P1. Upon receiving an appeal, Procedure 2311-P1 states "... the Board Chair will either (1) place the appeal on the agenda of a regular or special Board meeting or (2) appoint an appeals panel of not less than three Trustees to hear the appeal and make a recommendation to the Board." Board chair, Allen Halter, has appointed an appeals panel of the following trustees: Travis Smith, Janna Hafer and Kevin Toohill. Please see attached documents regarding this challenge and appeal.

Suggested Action:

(1)The appeals panel will make a recommendation to the full board regarding The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, or take other action as necessary to make a recommendation.

Attachments
Original Request for Reconsideration of Material
Review Committee response
Appeal of Review Committee's Decision
Policy 2311 Challenges to Educational Material
Procedure 2311-P1 Challenges to Educational Material
Policy 2330 Academic Freedom
District proposal form for book
District Evaluation of Book Form
Evaluating American Indian Materials and Resources for the Classroom (OPI)
Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians (OPI)