Cumberland County Schools proposes new textbook adoptions for math and ELA

The Cumberland County Schools Board of Education meeting on April 1, 2025, focused on the approval of textbook adoption recommendations for the upcoming academic years. The meeting highlighted the extensive review process undertaken to select new educational materials for grades K-12, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.

Dr. Thomas McClain and his team presented the findings from their comprehensive review, which involved input from educators, school leaders, and community members. The current contracts for grades 6-12 ELA and all grade levels of math are set to expire at the end of the year, prompting the need for new adoptions. The proposed plan includes a three-year math adoption and a two-year ELA adoption, aligning with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) upcoming standards and textbook recommendations.

The review process included a cross-curricular district committee that evaluated proposals from various vendors. The committees, composed of teachers and administrators, utilized a detailed rubric to assess the quality and alignment of the materials. The community was also engaged through a textbook roadshow, allowing stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the proposed materials.

For grades 6-8 ELA, the board recommended adopting McGraw Hill's StudySync curriculum, which received high scores and positive feedback from 88% of reviewers. Similarly, for grades 9-12 ELA, the same curriculum was favored for its continuity with existing materials. In mathematics, HMH's Into Math curriculum was recommended for grades K-8, while Coherent Math's integrated series was proposed for grades 9-12, both receiving strong endorsements from reviewers.

The total costs for these adoptions, which include digital resources and initial professional development, will be funded through state textbook funds. The board plans to finalize the purchase and implementation plans in May, with professional development support to follow.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to providing high-quality educational resources that align with new standards, ensuring that students receive the best possible instruction in both ELA and mathematics. The board is now poised to move forward with these recommendations, pending approval.