Section 9517.2 - Textbook Weight Standards(a) For the purposes of this section, a "textbook" means a book adopted by a governing board for use by students as the principal learning resource for a course.(b) The following maximum weight standards are in effect for each student textbook in elementary and secondary schools: (1) Grades K-4: Three Pounds(2) Grades 5-8: Four Pounds(3) Grades 9-12: Five Pounds(c) Publishers and manufacturers submitting textbooks for adoption by the State Board of Education for kindergarten through grade eight that exceed the maximum weight standards listed above shall provide at least one alternative for lighter weight materials with identical content. These lighter weight alternatives may include, but are not limited to, split volumes, electronic editions, softcover editions or other alternate physical formats. The lighter weight alternative must be identified by the publisher when they submit their textbooks to the California Department of Education (CDE) as part of the instructional materials adoption.(d) For materials for grades nine through twelve, the availability of lighter weight alternatives must be disclosed to local education agencies prior to local governing board adoption of textbooks.(e) The following are exceptions to the maximum weight standards listed in subdivision (b) above:(1) Materials prepared in large-print, Braille, or other materials specifically designed to provide accessibility for students with disabilities. This includes the materials prepared by the CDE's Clearinghouse for Specialized Media and Technology.(2) Textbooks that are only used in the classroom, and are not required to be carried home or to other locations by students, are not subject to the maximum weight standards. This exception does not exempt districts from the requirements of Education Code section 60119.(3) Textbooks that are primarily for use by the teacher are not subject to the maximum weight standards, unless students are required to carry the materials home or to other locations as part of the intended use of those textbooks.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 5, § 9517.2
1. New section filed 8-27-2007; operative 9-26-2007 (Register 2007, No. 35). Note: Authority cited: Section 33031, Education Code. Reference: Section 49415, Education Code.
1. New section filed 8-27-2007; operative 9-26-2007 (Register 2007, No. 35).