Novel & Textbook Adoption

DCSD Board Policy

• IJ: Textbook and Instructional Materials Selection and Adoption 05.23.2023
• All other related board policies for instruction can be found here Under Section "I"

Definitions

“Textbooks” shall mean the major information resource(s) both digital and bound materials provided in multiple copies for use by a total class or a major portion of such class.

“Required curriculum materials” shall include print and non-print resources such as software, Web-based products, assigned titles of literature or kits that are integral to a course or curriculum content area and required for whole class student use.

*“Supplementary materials” shall mean any instructional materials other than textbooks and required curriculum materials including, but not limited to, books (literary and nonfiction), periodicals, newspapers, slides and transparencies, models, pictures, diagrams, maps, charts, slides, electronic recordings, and computer applications which relate to the curriculum and are available for teacher use and/or student selection. Supplementary materials are used to provide extension, enrichment and support to the curriculum (usually by individuals or small groups).

Other Applicable DCSD Board Policies

• Selection of Controversial Learning Resources - Board File IJA
• Instructional Use of Media Resources - Board File IJB
• Instructional Resources - Board File IJC
• Library Materials Selection and Adoption - Board File IJL

Start The Process Below

Novel and Textbook Adoption Proposal - Initial Request Form - Click Here to Get Started

Timeline

Novel/book adoption forms are presented to the Board of Education in November and April. Materials must be submitted to the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Director no later than:

• October 10th - presentation to the Board of Education in November
• March 13th - presentation to the Board of Education in April

Next Steps

Once you have submitted the form, you will receive an email  with a link to the proposal document for the novel/textbook you are requesting as well as next steps to create your review team

Novel Adoption FAQs

Approved Novels and Textbooks

• High School Approved Novel List
• Middle School Approved Novel List
• Elementary Novel List
• Approved Textbook List (2018+) 
• Archived (and still approved) Spreadsheet of Board Approved Textbooks Prior to 2018 

For the April 21st 2026 BOE meeting, the following novels and textbooks will be requested for approval. As part of the approval process, we would like to offer an opportunity for the community to review the material and provide feedback. For further information or to make arrangements for review, please contact Susan Snider at 303-387-0152 or svsnider@dcsdk12.org.

The following textbooks are slated to go through the process:

• HS - America Through the Lens (Social Studies)
• HS - History Alive! World Connections (Social Studies)
• HS - Reporteros, Reporters Francophones, Das Reporterteam (World Language)
• HS - I'm Here: A Peer Counseling Guide for Teens

The following novels are slated to go through the process:

• HS - The Odyssey:  A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Garth Hinds
• HS - The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
• HS - James by Percival Everett
• HS - Rez Ball by Byron Graves
• HS - My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger
• HS - Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Elem = Requested for Elementary School
MS = Requested for Middle School
HS = Requested for High School

Questions on the novel adoption process? Please contact Tracie King at tking@dcsdk12.org.

Questions on the textbook adoption process? Please contact Ryan Gudmundson at rgudmundson@dcsdk12.org