This procedure outlines the specific responsibilities and tasks for each system partner who supports the selection of learning resources. The selection of learning resources is the responsibility of every educator acting under the authority of the Education Act and the York Region District School Board’s policies and procedures. The selection process requires the use of The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool and should be a collaborative effort among the key stakeholders in schools.
On this page:
Groups with Responsibilities Under this Policy
- Director of Education
- Superintendents
- Curriculum and Instructional Services
- Inclusive Schools and Community Services
- Learning Resource Services
- Student Services
- Administrators
- Teachers
- Families and/or Caregivers
Relationship to Board priorities
This procedure supports the Board’s commitment to promoting student achievement and well-being, the stewardship of Board resources and the delivery of effective and sustainable education programs by engaging students as partners in their learning and public education and enhancing confidence in public education.
Timelines and Next Steps
This procedure is scheduled for review at the November 20, 2024 Executive Council meeting to be implemented immediately upon approval.
Providing Feedback
Questions about this policy and/or procedure should be raised with your principal, manager, or supervisor. If additional clarification is required, principals, managers and supervisors may contact the lead superintendent and/or subject matter expert and Trustee Services.
In accordance with Board Policy 285.0, Board Policies, Procedures and Supporting Documents, the Board welcomes all comments and suggestions on Board policy.
Input is an important component of the review process. If you feel a policy and/or procedure needs to be revised, feedback may be submitted through the school council or by submitting the online form. In your response please:
- outline clearly the specific section(s) of the policy and/or procedure in which you are not comfortable,
- suggest specific alternate wording to reflect your position, and
- identify the reason(s) for your concern(s).
Specific recommendations or questions about the review process should be submitted using the online form or sent to the Policy Officers via email at policy.committee@yrdsb.ca, or via telephone at 905-727-0022 extension 2570 or in hard copy at The Education Centre – Aurora.
Legislative Context
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Related Documents
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy
YRDSB Indigenous Education and Equity Strategy
Discriminatory Slurs and Statements Protocol
It is the expectation of the York Region District School Board that all employees, students and persons invited to or visiting Board property, or partaking/volunteering in Board or school-sponsored events and activities, will respect the policies and procedures of the Board.
Board Procedure #NP370.0 Required Learning Resources
1. Procedure Statement
This procedure outlines the specific responsibilities and tasks for each system partner who supports the selection of learning resources. The selection of learning resources is the responsibility of every educator acting under the authority of the Education Act and the York Region District School Board’s policies and procedures. The selection process requires the use of The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool and should be a collaborative effort among the key stakeholders in schools.
2. Application
Procedure #NP370.0, Required Learning Resources addresses the process for the selection of learning resources that are required for curriculum implementation and for student learning.
It is critical that students be engaged with authentic and relevant learning materials. Resource selection is complex as it is not simply the resources that we need to consider, but most importantly the students, including the intersecting social identities and experiences that they bring into the meaning-making process, along with reading skills and strategies. This is informed by an anti-oppression framework: an approach which ensures that equity and human rights are foundational to the work of educators. This approach supports the Board’s work in removing systemic barriers and identifying approaches for providing equitable and accessible experiences for students. Engaging from this framework leads to the understanding of how power, privilege and oppression operate within the classrooms and are either reinforced or disrupted by practices such as resource selection.
This process sets out the principles and criteria developed by the York Region District School Board for the selection of learning resources in accordance with the Ministry Guidelines for Approval of Textbooks (2008) and the Ontario Education Equity Action Plan. It is informed by the Board’s Mission, Vision and Values and Strategic Priorities.
3. Responsibilities
3.1 The Director of Education shall:
- allocate staff and resources to support the Required Learning Resources procedure and the use of The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool.
3.2 Superintendents of Education shall:
- support school administrators and school staff in implementing and communicating this procedure;
- build school administrator and school staff capacity in implementing the Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool; and
- respond to relevant concerns expressed by schools and communities in a manner that is consistent with the spirit and intent of this procedure and The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool.
3.3 Curriculum and Instructional Services, Inclusive School and Community Services, Student Services, and Learning Resource Services Staff shall:
- support school administrators and school staff capacity in implementing The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool; and
- provide resources to support the implementation of The Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool.
3.4 Administrators shall:
- review purchase requests for required learning resources in accordance with the Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool;
- share with families how schools acquire texts and learning resources for use in our classrooms, as appropriate (E.g., School Council);
- when concerns about required learning resources are brought forward;
- determine the appropriate course of action in discussion with teachers, students, families, and/or superintendent of schools as required; and
- ensure responses to concerns align with:
- the Education Act,
- Ontario Human Rights Code,
- Accepting Schools Act (2012), and
- the Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum 119, Developing and implementing equity and inclusive education policies in Ontario schools.
3.4 Teachers shall:
- identify required learning resources in accordance with the Process for the Selection of Learning Resources and the Text Selection Tool and the Ministry Guidelines for Approval of Textbooks;
- refer unresolved concerns about learning resource choice(s) to administration; and collaborate with the administration to discuss concerns about learning resource choice(s) with families/caregivers and/or staff members as required to determine the appropriate course of action.
3.5 Families/caregivers are invited to:
- discuss learning resource choice(s) with school staff members and administration.
4. Definitions
4.1 Required Learning Resources
Required learning resources are materials that are required for instruction, assessment, and/or student participation in classroom programming. These resources include, but are not limited to:
- materials that are read aloud or shown in class;
- assigned to students for whole-group, small-group, or independent study; and
- resources used as part of the classroom environment.
5. Contact
Curriculum and Instructional Services
6. History
Replaces: Policy 370.0, Required Learning Media, Revised 2008 Standing Memo 198, Ministry Guidelines for Textbook Approval Standing Memo 207, Approval of Curriculum Software
Working Document: November 2024
Revised: September 2024