- SecondaryELA - lists.uen.org

FW: Announcing Utah's Statewide Battle of the Books
by Naomi Watkins 04 May '26

04 May '26

See below. [cid:image001.png@01DCDBB4.A7E3C270] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v> From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 8:05 AM To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Announcing Utah's Statewide Battle of the Books Dear Schools, We are excited to announce Utah's Battle of the Books (UBOB) - an annual reading competition for students in grades K-12 across the state. UBOB encourages students to read great books and provides an opportunity to have fun while working with a team and competing with peers. Students will read books from a carefully selected list of titles and then participate with their team in a "direct question" format competition. The list of books assigned to each grade level is currently posted on the USBE website<https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia> under the Battle of the Books tab! We encourage you to start advertising these books now, so students can have a jump start on reading over the summer. Please feel free to download these posters<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A3i5JpgtWaFoKOYBZc8X7I4fpQzxAz-b?us…> for use in your schools. At the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, please start recruiting students to form teams of 3-5 students. Remember, students do not have to read all the books in order to participate. Battles at the school level will begin in February/March 2027, and some teams will be selected to continue to Regional and State Battles. Join Our Informational Meeting We are hosting an upcoming informational session to discuss the organizational structure, the book selection process, and the 2026-27 timeline. This is the perfect opportunity to see how UBOB can enhance current or future literacy initiatives within your district or charter. * Date: May 11, 2026 * Time: 4:00 pm * Location/Link: Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236011758856672?p=2fk508hKwLS30meMMP Meeting ID: 236 011 758 856 672 Passcode: SS9Gr33D To set you and the students up for success, a General Handbook has been created and will be shared at the informational meeting, that includes the rules, responsibilities, and forms you will need. These state-wide initiatives would not be possible without your dedication and support. Please do not hesitate to contact the UBOB State Committee @ubob@schools.utah.gov<mailto:ubob@schools.utah.gov> if you have any questions. We look forward to partnering with you to celebrate literacy across Utah. Thank you and happy reading! [cid:e0386999-89b9-4713-9e51-68e96b57e3e5] [cid:b2c4c7e3-282f-4b88-ae31-33f0aad775e3][cid:6d2da457-a6d0-4db7-9575-776b558e0186] [cid:48556d49-5677-4fc9-ad63-304e8b983c59] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:ebdddd3a-8b31-4d14-99d8-e3ccf6536ba5]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.

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[Secondaryela] INFO: 2026 Bennion Teachers’ Workshop
by Naomi Watkins 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

[cid:image001.png@01DCBB8B.08DD4780]<https://www.usu.edu/mountainwest/bennion-workshop/> We are very excited to announce 2026 Bennion Teachers’ Workshop: Stories That Matter: Understanding Democracy and Native Sovereignty Through Literature & Media. Dr. Genevieve Ford, Associate Professor of English, at Utah State University, Blanding Campus, is the lead scholar for the workshop. Indigenous artists and activists are reshaping how we understand history, culture, and democracy. From landmark movements like Standing Rock to award-winning Native literature and cultural advocacy today, Indigenous voices continue to defend sovereignty, treaty rights, and the future of their communities. This interactive workshop empowers teachers to bring Indigenous perspectives into their classrooms with confidence. Educators will explore powerful stories, media, and classroom-ready resources by Native creators that illuminate land rights, cultural protection, and civic engagement. Centering Indigenous voices helps challenge stereotypes, build empathy, support Native students, and foster informed, respectful dialogue for all learners. Through interactive activities and lectures teachers will: * Engage critically with Native-authored texts, examining how Indigenous voices challenge dominant narratives, reduce prejudice, and support student identity, achievement, and empathy. * Analyze representations of Indigenous peoples in media, identifying the origins and impacts of stereotypes and developing strategies to address misinformation in educational contexts. * Develop foundational knowledge of Indigenous studies, including tribal sovereignty, constitutional and treaty rights, cultural heritage, and Indigenous languages. * Apply this knowledge to teaching practice, designing curricula and learning environments that are accurate, inclusive, and responsive to Indigenous histories and contemporary realities. Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily; and two additional evening events Place: Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching & Learning Center, Carolyn Tanner Irish Pavilion – Room 201, on the Utah State University campus in Logan, Utah • Learn from Native scholars • Up to 3 academic credits or 4.5 continuing education units (CEUs) may be earned • The workshop cost can be as low as $45 for one Continuing Education Unit or take advantage of lower summer tuition for academic credit • Travel awards are available to cover lodging and mileage (if outside of Cache Valley) • Breakfast and lunch provided each day Please spread the word and plan to attend with a friend or two. Registration information is available at https://www.usu.edu/mountainwest/bennion-workshop/. Workshop Testimonials from past participants: "As a teacher from a rural area, I really appreciate that Bennion is a world-class opportunity that provides scholarly interaction with top-notch students and excellent professors from multiple universities and institutions across the country." "Scholarly engagement with world class professors provides a rich experience" "Critical for expanding my ability to grow as an educator." "The only weakness was that the magic had to end, but we will take the magic with us." Contact the Mountain West Center at mwc(a)usu.edu<mailto:mwc@usu.edu> or 435-797-0299 with any questions. Barbara Warnes Program Coordinator, Mountain West Center Molly Cannon Director, Mountain West Center [cid:image002.png@01DCBB8B.08DD4780] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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[Secondaryela] REMINDER: Tomorrow's Teaching Historical Texts as History & Literature Webinar
by Naomi Watkins 18 Mar '26

18 Mar '26

Webinar: Teaching Historical Texts as History and Literature Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm MST See attached flyer Description: Why do some historical documents become blueprints for the future while others are forgotten? The answer lies in the tension between a document's historical evidence and its rhetorical power. While the historian investigates the document to interpret the past, the ELA scholar deconstructs it as a crafted message engineered to move an audience. Join us for a webinar where we move beyond dry summaries to show how social studies and ELA teachers can team up to help students crack the code of influential historical texts. Presenters: Dr. Naomi Watkins, Secondary ELA Specialist, Utah State Board of Education Dr. Jeff Nokes, Associate Professor of History, Brigham Young University REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4DHdEA7dRaizXRsstaggvQ> **Note that this webinar is part of America250 Utah<https://america250.utah.gov/> programming and events. [cid:image001.png@01DCB6E6.E9FFEFF0] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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[Secondaryela] New title to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 13 Mar '26

13 Mar '26

From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Friday, March 13, 2026 10:17 AM Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Fw: New title to be removed from Utah public schools Dear Colleagues, Please excuse any cross postings. I want to make sure you receive this information below. I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards, [cid:628448a3-9b2a-4102-8fdc-1569fbf5e5ad] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:bd4d82c4-c9d3-4583-b80c-021c8f539391]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Friday, March 13, 2026 10:12 AM Subject: New title to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required, this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. Looking for Alaska by John Green The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:628448a3-9b2a-4102-8fdc-1569fbf5e5ad] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:bd4d82c4-c9d3-4583-b80c-021c8f539391]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.

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[Secondaryela] INFO: New titles to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 02 Mar '26

02 Mar '26

From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 10:57 AM To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Fw: New titles to be removed from Utah public schools FYI - Please excuse any cross postings. I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards, [cid:56194b2d-a24f-483d-9396-7471de273585] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:bec46e67-b46c-4db0-bd7c-ffa433ffcfa8]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 10:45 AM Subject: New titles to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required, this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following titles have met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. Breathless by Jennifer Niven The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:56194b2d-a24f-483d-9396-7471de273585] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:bec46e67-b46c-4db0-bd7c-ffa433ffcfa8]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.

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[Secondaryela] INFO: Webinar on Teaching Historical Texts as History and Literature
by Naomi Watkins 02 Mar '26

02 Mar '26

Webinar: Teaching Historical Texts as History and Literature Date: Thursday, March 19 Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm MST See attached flyer Description: Why do some historical documents become blueprints for the future while others are forgotten? The answer lies in the tension between a document's historical evidence and its rhetorical power. While the historian investigates the document to interpret the past, the ELA scholar deconstructs it as a crafted message engineered to move an audience. Join us for a webinar where we move beyond dry summaries to show how social studies and ELA teachers can team up to help students crack the code of influential historical texts. Presenters: Dr. Naomi Watkins, Secondary ELA Specialist, Utah State Board of Education Dr. Jeff Nokes, Associate Professor of History, Brigham Young University REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4DHdEA7dRaizXRsstaggvQ> **Note that this webinar is part of America250 Utah<https://america250.utah.gov/> programming and events. [cid:image001.png@01DCAA34.19A5A660] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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[Secondaryela] FW: New title to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

FYI. See below. [cid:image001.png@01DC9FE7.B064CC90] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v> From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2026 5:11 PM To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Fw: New title to be removed from Utah public schools FYI - I am here to support you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards, [cid:a983d2fe-7375-4eee-be8c-499c1cb4e5ea] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:515e3457-c97f-4346-8671-cd0e5c622372]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2026 5:01 PM Subject: New title to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. BAG OF BONES, Stephen King The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:a983d2fe-7375-4eee-be8c-499c1cb4e5ea] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:515e3457-c97f-4346-8671-cd0e5c622372]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.

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[Secondaryela] INFO: StoryCon Opportunities
by Naomi Watkins 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

1. Free opportunity for educators and administrators: Whether you are signed up for StoryCon or still deciding to join us, we want you to know about an amazing opportunity limited to 60 educators & administrators. We will have a Sponsor Session on Friday, February 27 from 10:00-10:45 at StoryCon. This is an incredible chance to share StoryCon with your administrators. [image.png] We invite you to attend this session as a pair: One classroom teacher or librarian paired with an administrator or School LAND Trust Community Council parent member are invited to fill out the form to attend this session. Our goal is to strengthen collaboration and decision-making around literacy initiatives through shared experiences. If you are not registered for StoryCon, don't worry-this special session is still available to you along with the morning keynote session by Soman Chainani. We will issue you a special ticket to attend both of these events. We invite you to come and see what StoryCon is all about. We think you will love it! Apply for the Sponsor Breakfast Session Here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYOr-HK0jxZbkY05QSC078QdQCIdEjsLi…> and join us for this engaging and collaborative start to StoryCon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. There are still spots in our Educator Book Banquets! This opportunity to eat a hot plated breakfast while networking with 11 authors "speed-dating" style and receiving a signed book from all 11 authors is one of the best parts of StoryCon. The great news? You don't even have to be attending StoryCon with a ticket to register for this experience! Bring your friends with you. And you can sign up for easy and inexpensive SUU graduate credit for attending and reading some of the books. Check out this amazing author lineup. Tween educators can attend the Middle Grade lunch while their students attend the Tween program on Friday. Register today at StoryCon.org/bookbanquet. [image.png] [cid:image003.png@01DC99B4.D7C46E50] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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[Secondaryela] Public Feedback on the proposed Secondary Mathematics Standards
by Naomi Watkins 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

What: The USBE is seeking additional public feedback on the proposed Secondary Mathematics Standards structure to help guide their decision when adopting the P-12 Draft Utah Core Mathematics Standards. Feedback can be provided through the survey link below. Who: Please share with your secondary mathematics teachers, administrators, other educators. When: Please respond by the closing date of February 27th. Action: The survey can be accessed at https://usbe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nXD9ScuYbFTITs Information: If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact USBE's Secondary Mathematics Specialist, Mike Spencer. Mike.spencer(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Mike.spencer@schools.utah.gov> As required by state code, it is noted that this survey response is being requested to respond to a specific request from the Utah State Board of Education but is not a survey that is required by federal or state code. The information being requested is not available elsewhere. There are no penalties if an LEA chooses not to respond to this email. [cid:image001.png@01DC911D.04081570] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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FW: Three (3) new titles to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, Please excuse any cross postings. Three titles have met the statewide threshold and are to be removed from student access in all Utah public schools: * Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire * Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult * The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky I am here to support you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. [cid:2a01b4e2-0990-415c-87d3-51652fa56dcd] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:a5ba8545-48b0-4c83-931c-56927b5bf602]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Monday, January 5, 2026 9:05 AM Subject: Three (3) new titles to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage<https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia> under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:2a01b4e2-0990-415c-87d3-51652fa56dcd] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:a5ba8545-48b0-4c83-931c-56927b5bf602]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.

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