Understanding Transparency
Transparency in the K–12 classroom is not optional in California; it is a legal right.
State law consistently recognizes that parents and the community are partners in children’s education and must be able to see what is being taught.
The State of California enacted its Public Records Act for the explicit purpose of increasing freedom of information by giving the public access to information in possession of public agencies. See CBS, Inc. v. Block, 42 Cal 3d. 646,651 (1986).
The CPRA requires that all records “containing information relating to the conduct of the public’s business prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency” must be made publicly available for inspection and copying upon request, unless those records are exempt from disclosure. Gov. Code §§ 7922.525(a)-(b); 7920.530.
Education Code § 49091.10(a) references what types of public school records may be inspected, "(a) All primary supplemental instructional materials and assessments, including textbooks, teacher's manuals, films, audio and video recordings, and software shall be compiled and stored by the classroom instructor and made available promptly for inspection".
Records can be requested directly from a teacher or you can email your superintendent’s office and request specific materials.
Include the specific records requested- class name, teacher’s name (if known), and school year requested
If you need assistance or if your district fails to provide records, please contact us.
Transparency also extends to how curriculum decisions are made.
Education Code § 60002 requires school boards to involve parents and community members in the selection of instructional materials.
The Brown Act further requires that school boards conduct discussions about curriculum adoption and instructional policies in public meetings. Parents and community members have the right to attend these meetings, review proposed materials, and provide input before decisions are finalized.
Meaningful participation depends on access to the materials under consideration—another reason California law strongly favors openness.
Together, these laws ensure that classroom instruction, curriculum choices, and educational materials remain visible, reviewable, and accountable to the families and communities schools serve.