Williams Case – Instructional Materials
Information on the landmark Superior Court case to provide all students equal access to instructional materials, safe schools, and quality teachers.Introduction
The specific law (California Education Code Section 60119) that details instructional materials sufficiency, can be found at the link below and should be referenced for all the important legal details. However, the basic principle in non-legal terms is as follows:
Every student must have instructional materials that are aligned to the relevant content standards adopted by the California State Board of Education and which are consistent with the content and cycles of the relevant curriculum framework adopted by the California State Board of Education, for the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Science
- History–social science
- English language arts, including the English language development component of an adopted program
“Sufficient textbooks or instructional materials” means that each pupil has standards-aligned instructional materials to use in class and to take home. This does not require two sets of instructional materials for each pupil. The materials may be in a digital format as long as each pupil, at a minimum, has and can access the same materials in the class and to take home, as all other pupils in the same class or course in the school district and has the ability to use and access them at home.
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions and Responses
Answers the most frequently asked questions regarding instructional materials, funding, sufficiency and Williams settlement.
- California Education Code Section 60119
The specific state law that establishes what instructional materials students must have access to and where they must be able to access them. This law also mandates annual consideration of this issue, via the execution of a resolution, by the local governing school board.
- Instructional Materials Survey Forms
Used to assist in evaluating the sufficiency of instructional materials.
- Sample Resolution (DOCX)
A recommended Resolution of Instructional Materials Sufficiency for use by local school boards.
- Complaint Process
The section of the California Code of Regulations detailing the process by which one may file a complaint regarding instructional materials insufficiency. In essence, one files a letter with the school principal, who in turn must investigate and respond. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the findings, the complainant may bring the issue to the local governing school board. Please see the linked information for all the important details.