In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed two bills — House Bill 3979 during the 87th regular and Senate Bill 3 during a subsequent special session — that outline ways in which certain topics, including race, must be addressed in classrooms. At the same time, the issue of how library books and supplemental instructional resources, such as books teachers may assign a class to read, became a topic of intense interest and debate.
Round Rock ISD is in compliance with the new laws and will closely review new updates to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to ensure all policies and procedures are in alignment. Current state standards, especially in language arts and social studies, require students to examine text, create strong arguments, evaluate both primary and secondary sources and consider the world around them. Topics regarding race, gender and class are often a part of teaching these standards. Teachers follow Administrative Policy EMB when teaching controversial or sensitive subjects. Round Rock ISD’s goal is to create safe learning environments for all students no matter what subject is being taught.
Who chooses reading material for small group or whole class assignments?
In alignment with Round Rock ISD Board policy, all titles available for classroom go through a robust screening process by multiple reviewers using the following criteria:
- Alignment to Standards
- Literary Merit
- Professional Reviews
- Age and Developmental Appropriateness
Parents and guardians are entitled to provide input on the instructional materials for their own student and may request an alternate text for their child. However, parents and guardians are not able to limit access to materials for other students. For more information on this process, visit Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Process | Teaching & Learning.
What about books available in my school’s library?
School libraries are places for voluntary inquiry and students are not required to read books from the library. The purpose and scope of our library collections are very different from selections being assigned in class to support the curriculum. School librarians are ethically responsible to provide access to resources with varying perspectives for students’ curricular and personal information needs. If a parent or guardian has a concern about a book in their school’s library, they simply need to alert the librarian who will schedule a time to listen to the parent’s concern. Parents always have the right to choose what their child reads and can request that certain reading materials not be made available to their student. In reviewing the book in question, the librarian may determine there is a better placement for the book. For example, sometimes when the book is re-examined, the decision is made to send it from the elementary to middle school or from middle school to high school. Or the librarian may agree that the book is inappropriate for a school setting and pull it from the library. This is infrequent, but can happen. There are thousands of books on our library shelves and it is impossible for librarians to have read them all. Keep in mind, a parent has the right to decide what their child reads, but they do not have the right to make those decisions for everyone’s children.
How are library books chosen?
School librarians are highly qualified to select books for their campus collections. Round Rock ISD librarians hold classroom teacher certification, a master’s degree, and have completed graduate level coursework in collection development. Selections are made based on board-approved collection development guidelines, not personal likes, dislikes, or beliefs. Librarians work closely with teachers and school administrators and leverage many resources to make selections. They consult recommended book lists, and also consider state and national award-winning books, titles that support the curriculum, and patron requests. The majority of books and other materials selected for school libraries have been reviewed in professional magazines or journals. Librarians seek materials on a broad range of subject matter that reflect diverse experiences to serve the entire community. Materials are selected in keeping with the libraries’ policies and the Library Bill of Rights.
What is the process to challenge a book in the library?
If a parent has met with their school librarian about their concerns and is unsatisfied with the outcome, they can escalate the process to a meeting with the principal who may also include other subject matter experts, such as the Director of Library Services or the Director of Curriculum. If that matter is not resolved at that step, the parent can then choose to file a formal challenge. The process for a formal challenge is outlined in Board Policy EF (Local) and includes a review and recommendation by a Districtwide committee made up of District educators, a PTA representatives, community members and parents. While reviewing, the committee members read the book in full, rather than forming opinions based on provocative passages presented out of context. The final level is a review by the elected Board of Trustees. Round Rock ISD EF LOCAL RECONSIDERATION TIMELINE.
