lol, you're having the same reaction I have. I just didn't want to use the word dogma.
The picture book policy, as far as I am aware, is not "Basic School philosophy". I've read Ernest Boyer's book, and do stand behind the ideas, if they are done correctly. I'm not sure where the picture book thing came in to play, especially since "meet every child at their own level" IS Basic School philosophy! The teacher has essentially said that the school can meet my daughter at her level with higher level picture books. Which they can, and did, for the first part of the year until about November. Maybe it is just winter doldrums? And I can tell they have worked with her on pacing (she's become much better at reading aloud, beforehand she would rush through so quickly you couldn't understand a word she said...she is a very, very fast reader).
I have requested a meeting with the administrator for early January, and will probably bring it up then, along with subject acceleration.
