Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork Parent Inspection of and Objection to Course Materials
I. Introduction
Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork (the “Academy”) recognizes that parents may have concerns about instructional materials used in the school system. Thus, to further involve parents in the education of their children, the Academy provides opportunities for parents to review instructional materials and a process for parents to use when they object to instructional materials.
II. Policy Scope
This policy shall apply to all parents and students of the Academy. For purposes of this policy, every reference to "parent" shall include a parent, legal guardian, or other custodian having charge or control of a student attending the Academy.
III. Definitions
3.1 Advisory Board - The Appalachian State University Advisory Board was established pursuant to NCGS 116-239.8(b)(1) to provide advice and guidance to the Chancellor regarding the operation of the Academy.
3.2 Instructional Materials - All materials utilized for the education of students, including but not limited to books, videos, and audio recordings.Instructional materials do not include academic tests or assessments.
3.3 Parent(s) - Includes parents, legal guardians, and legal custodians of students who are under 18 years old and who have not been emancipated.
IV. Policy Statements
4.1 Parental Right to Inspect Materials
4.1.1 Parents may review all Instructional Materials. Parents who would like to inspect and review instructional materials should make a request in writing to the Principal. The Principal shall schedule a mutually agreeable date and time for the parent to come into the school to review the materials. All efforts should be made to schedule the time as soon as possible but no later than 10 business days from the date of the request. All materials used in reproductive health and safety education shall be available for review.
4.2 Parental Objection to Materials
4.2.1 Parents may submit an objection in writing to the Principal regarding the use of particular Instructional Materials. The objection will be reviewed by a committee to include the Principal, the Director of Curriculum, the Director of Laboratory Schools, and a representative from the General Counsel.
4.2.2 If the Principal or the committee determines that any material violates constitutional or other legal rights of the parent or student, the Principal or the committee shall either remove the material from instructional use or accommodate the particular student and parent. Before any material is removed, the Principal or the committee shall ensure that the curriculum is still aligned with current statewide instructional standards and articulated from grade to grade. If an objection made by a parent or student is not based upon constitutional or legal rights, the principal or the committee may accommodate the objection after considering the effect on the curriculum and any burden on the school, teacher, or other students that the accommodation would create; and any other relevant factors. Books and other Instructional Materials may be removed from the school media collection only for legitimate educational reasons and subject to the limitations of the First Amendment.
4.2.3 The decision of the committee or Principal may be appealed to the Dean of the College of Education. The decision of the Dean of the College of Education may be appealed to the Chancellor by way of the Advisory Board. Decisions made by the Chancellor are final.
V. Authority
U.S. Const. amend. I; 20 U.S.C. 1232h; N.C. Const. art. I, § 14; Board of Educ. v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982); G.S. 115C art. 8 pt. 1; 115C-45, -47, -76.25(a)(5), -76.35(b), -76.40, -98, -101
VI. Original Effective Date
November 6, 2023