Instructional materials; means systematically arranged content in text, digital, Braille and large print, and audio format which may be used within the state curriculum framework for courses of study by students in public schools, including textbooks, workbooks, computer software, online or internet courses, CDs or DVDs, and multiple forms of communication media. Such materials may be used by students or teachers or both as principal sources of study to cover any portion of the course. These materials: (1) shall be designed for student use; and (2) may be accompanied by or contain teaching guides and study helps; (3) shall include all textbooks, workbooks and student materials and supplements necessary for a student to fully participate in coursework; and (4) shall be high quality, research-based and proven to be effective in supporting student learning. Open Educational Resources (OER) are materials that have been created using content that is not copyrighted and therefore restricted

Open Educational Resources (OER) are materials that have been created using content that is not copyrighted and therefore restricted in use. OER are openly licensed materials that can be used for teaching, learning, student support, and teacher support. While they are openly licensed, they are not free: there is a substantial effort involved in collecting and reviewing resources to ensure they are aligned to the Utah Core Standards and that they are updated and improved on a regular basis.

The Utah State Board of Education approves a recommended list of instructional materials twice yearly as a service to districts in the selection of instructional materials. This procedure is mandated by law since 1907 however, districts are free to select materials that are not on the list.

53A-14-102. Commission’s evaluation of instructional materials — Recommendation by the state board. (1) Semi-annually after reviewing the evaluations of the commission, the board shall recommend instructional materials for use in the public schools. (2) The standard period of time instructional materials shall remain on the list of recommended instructional materials shall be five years. (3) Unsatisfactory instructional materials may be removed from the list of recommended instructional materials at any time within the period applicable to the instructional materials. (4) Except as provided in Section 53A-13-101, each school shall have discretion to select instructional materials for use by the school. A school may select: (a) instructional materials recommended by the board as provided in this section; or (b) other instructional materials the school considers appropriate to teach the core standards for Utah public schools.

Effective 5/9/2017. 53A-15-1204. Option to enroll in online courses offered through the Statewide Online Education Program. (1) Subject to the course limitations provided in Subsection (2), an eligible student may enroll in an online course offered through the Statewide Online Education Program if: (a) the student meets the course prerequisites; (b) the course is open for enrollment; (c) the online course is aligned with the student’s plan for college and career readiness; (d) the online course is consistent with the student’s individual education plan (IEP), if the student has an IEP; and (e)the online course is consistent with the student’s international baccalaureate program, if the student is participating in an international baccalaureate program.

Digital materials are included in Utah’s semi-annual scheduled reviews of instructional materials. Utah is a member state of the State Instructional Materials Review Association,as well as SETDA, and collaborates with many other states in formulating the best instructional materials review procedures for all types of curriculum resources, both digital and non-digital.

The Utah Education Network has a negotiated agreement for a Learning Management System statewide. It is not part of the State Education Agency.

The Utah Education Network provides a repository of many resources that it has negotiated contracts for. It is not part of the State Education Agency.