Bracketed language occurs in model sample policies and administrative regulations (AR) to indicate proposed or recommended language to be selected in order to tailor the information specific to particular situations within the school system.
Single bracket
Example: within [five] working days
Example: to the [superintendent or designee]
There is a need for language and the word shown is recommended, but not required. It should be changed to fit the practice of the school system.
The bracketed language is meant to be tailored by the board to fit the practice in the school system. A position title needs to be chosen or inserted and not left blank; adding specific individual names is not recommended, except when noted otherwise in a model sample, e.g., Title IX coordinator.
Multiple brackets
Example: The Board [may] [shall] require…
Example: [The employee may appeal the employment action taken through the appeal process provided by the applicable collective bargaining agreement.] [The employee may appeal the employment action taken through an appeal process administered by a neutral third party.]
When a sentence includes bracketed language, and more than one option, at least one should be selected, replaced by applicable language, or deleted as appropriate.
In some cases, the bracketed language may be excluded all together. This sometimes depends on the designation of the policy, e.g., required, highly recommended, etc., and the construction of the sentence or paragraph.
Fillable brackets
Example: The district shall provide the [ ] training program of physical restraints and seclusion for use in the district.
Fillable brackets require that the appropriate language be filled in.
Braced footnotes or language
Braced language { } are included sometimes to help provide discussion and guidance for choosing bracketed language and not intended to be kept in a final document presented for adoption. In services provided by OSBA, e.g., online web hosting, braced language submitted for updating will be removed by OSBA.
