Section 18-2A-1 - Definition; adoption groups; adoption schedule(a) "Instructional Resources" include print materials, electronic resources and systems, or combinations of such instructional resources which convey information to the pupil.(b) Instructional resources approved for adoption and listed on the state multiple list shall substantially cover the required content and skills for the subject as approved by the state board. The instructional resources shall be current and the information shall be presented accurately. The instructional resources may consist of a single resource, print or electronic, or a compilation of resources, print or electronic, that together cover the required criteria established for approval as a primary instructional resource. The resources may be updated or otherwise changed and improved on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are current and accurate.(c) On or before July 1 of each year, the state board shall classify the elementary and secondary school subjects required to be taught in the schools of our state into adoption groups by related subject fields as nearly as possible. A schedule for the periods of adoption, not to exceed six years, shall be determined by the state board. However, during the school year beginning on July 1, 2010, the state board shall develop a method by which newly developed and substantially revised instructional materials submitted by vendors or available as open resources may be reviewed for compliance with established criteria. When an instructional resource is found to be in compliance with established criteria, it may be added to the official multiple list and thereafter be available for adoption by a county board. County board instructional resources adoption committees may request a waiver of the adoption cycles from the state board. Software, print and electronic magazines, print and electronic newspapers and other print and electronic periodicals and other licensed or subscription-based instructional resources may be purchased county board for classroom use to supplement those items adopted on the state multiple list without having to comply with the adoption procedures provided in this article.(d) Software, print and electronic magazines, print and electronic newspapers and print and electronic periodicals are considered to be instructional resources for purposes of special excess levies subject to the provisions of section sixteen, article eight, chapter eleven of this code when the described purpose under that section is for textbooks or instructional resources.(e) A county board that selects an electronic instructional resource may, subject to the approval by the state board of its request to do so, choose not to renew that option before the end of the established contract period and select a new or different instructional resource from the official multiple listing before the end of the established contract period.(f) The vendor of an adopted electronic resource, after notice of explanation to the state board, may offer an update to the navigational features or management system, or both, related to the learning technology and may update the content of the learning technology as needed to accurately reflect current knowledge or information without charge. Vendor changes to the electronic resources may not require the purchase of a new operating system during the established contract period. Vendors shall continue to provide support for the version adopted.(g) The state board shall adopt guidelines and procedures for updates and changes to electronic instructional resources submitted by vendors.