For instructional design , they evaluate whether the material and pedagogy are appropriate for the stated grade level, whether the objectives are readily identifiable, and whether the program contains suitable instructional support materials. Evaluators consider whether content is accurate, current, thorough, relevant for the assigned grade levels, and usable across the curriculum. Evaluators measure interest to determine the material's capacity to promote critical thinking skills and to motivate, engage, and intellectually stimulate students. To be recommended for use in California schools, technology programs must be rated Exemplary or Desirable on a six-point scale. Resources must also comply with the State Board of Education's Standards for Evaluation of Instructional Materials with Respect to Social Content .
Evaluators reject programs containing demeaning labels or role stereotyping.
Literature, music, art, and stories and articles having a particular historical or cultural perspective are exempt from the social content criteria. Evaluators also indicate whether a program contains sensitive content. They note instances of nudity, explicit sexual material, profanity, excessive violence, and glamorized portrayals of drugs and dangerous substances. The Evaluation Process Teams of educators evaluate materials at 12 sites throughout California. In some cases, individual teachers evaluate material with students at school media centers, and computer software is usually evaluated in a classroom to verify the program's effectiveness.