Purpose
ENCSD recognizes and respects the right of parents and guardians to participate actively in their child’s education, including the right to inspect instructional materials and to raise objections to content they find inappropriate. This policy establishes transparent procedures to support parental engagement and timely resolution of concerns, in compliance with North Carolina Parents’ Bill of Rights (N.C.G.S. § 115C-76.25)
I. Parental Right to Inspect Instructional Materials
Parents, legal guardians, and certain other caregivers of currently enrolled students shall have the right to review all instructional materials used in their child’s education, including:
- Textbooks and digital texts
- Supplementary reading materials
- Audio and video resources
- School Media Center Resources
- Teacher-created instructional materials
- Online instructional content or digital learning platforms
- Surveys or assessments that probe beliefs, attitudes, or personal information
Materials are available for inspection during regular school hours upon written request to the principal or designee, specifying the material to be reviewed. A mutually agreeable time will be arranged within a reasonable timeframe, not to exceed ten (10) school days from the date of request, in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 115C-98.
II. Procedures for Objecting to Instructional Materials
Informal Resolution
Parents/guardians are encouraged to first address concerns informally with the teacher or relevant instructional staff. If unresolved, a formal review process may be initiated.
Formal Objection Process
To file a formal objection, the parent or guardian must complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Form to the Principal. The request must include:
- Specific identification of the material (title, author, etc.)
- The portion or content to which the objection is made
- The reason for objection
- The desired outcome (ex: removal, alternate assignment)
Review Committee
Upon receipt of a formal request, the Principal shall convene a Review Committee within ten (10) school days.
This committee shall include:
- One administrator or designee
- One certified teacher (preferably not using the challenged material)
- The school media specialist
- One parent of a current ENCSD student
- One staff member knowledgeable about the curriculum or deaf education
The committee shall review the material, relevant curriculum standards, applicable policies, and the parent’s state concerns. They may interview staff, examine comparable materials, and seek additional information as needed.
A written recommendation will be submitted to the principal within ten (10) school days of the committee’s formation.
Final Determination
The Principal shall review the committee’s recommendation and make a final determination within five (5) school days of receipt. The decision will be communicated in writing to the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian remains dissatisfied, they may submit a written appeal to the ENCSD Superintendent within five (5) school days. The Superintendent’s decision is final.
III. Alternative Instructional Materials
If a parent objects to specific instructional material, the student shall be provided with an alternative assignment of comparable educational value that meets the curriculum requirements, as determined by the school, without academic penalty, as required by N.C.G.S. § 115C-76.25.
IV. Exclusions
This policy does not apply to:
- Standardized tests or assessments administered by state or federal authorities
- Special education evaluations or services governed by IDEA or Section 504 (which have separate procedural safeguards)
- Classroom assignments selected independently by students (ex: book reports or self-selected reading)
V. Non-Retaliation
ENCSD strictly prohibits any form of retaliation or discrimination against a student or parent for submitting a request to inspect or object to instructional materials, in accordance with federal and state law.
VI. Recordkeeping
The school shall maintain a record of all formal objections and final determinations for a period of at least three (3) years. These records will be reviewed periodically to identify patterns that may warrant broader curricular review.
VII. Accessibility
ASL interpreters and communication access services will be provided for all policy-related proceedings, including investigations, meetings, and appeals, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794). All communications regarding instructional materials will be made available in accessible formats including ASL and captioned content, upon request. OSHR Reasonable Accommodation Procedures shall guide implementation.
Legal References
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-76.25 (Parents’ Bill of Rights)
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-98 (Inspection and objection to instructional materials)
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. § 794
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101
- N.C. General Statute § 115C-98.1 (enacted by S.L. 2025-84)
This policy shall be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure continued compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for serving deaf and hard of hearing students.