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​​Instructional Materials

​​1 Textbook Selection and Replacement

Each high school is responsible for developing textbook and teaching material policies, including replacement schedules, evaluation criteria, and staff responsibilities concerning the selection of textbooks and related materials. Each school should consider budgetary constraints of both the school and students' families. Textbooks may only be replaced after at least three years of use. In the case of religion classes, textbooks must be produced by a reputable Catholic publishing company, conform to the catechism of the Catholic Church and carry the official imprimatur of the Church, and receive approval from the Department of Catholic Schools​​.

Selected textbooks must also be aligned with overall Catholic philosophy.

2 Supplementary Materials and the Use of Media

Individual departments or teachers, in accordance with departmental or school practices and policies, may select age-appropriate supplementary instructional materials to enrich the curriculum. The decision must take into consideration the maturity level and impressionable nature of high school students.

Use of instructional media (e.g., film, video, software, CDs, DVDs, novels, magazines, and websites) should be limited to materials that have instruction or inspiration, not entertainment, as their primary purpose. The use of media is to correspond to the written syllabus of the course.

The teacher and the principal are responsible for supervising the use of media and complying with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Copyright and Video Screening Policy.

​​On rare occasions, a principal may grant permission for a relevant R-rated film to be shown in senior classes if students have prior written permission from parents/guardians. The teacher requesting permission must show evidence of strong, appropriate, and pedagogical reasons for showing the film.

A school may not utilize or suggest for student assignments any instructional media that have been condemned or restricted by the Church or other responsible critics. See the Church's movie rating system and movie reviews.​

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