Berkeley County School Board reviews new social studies curriculum adoption process

A significant overhaul of social studies curriculum is on the horizon for Berkeley County Schools, as the Board of Education discussed the adoption of new instructional materials during their regular meeting on April 7, 2025. This marks the first comprehensive update in nearly a decade, with educators expressing excitement over the potential impact on student learning.

Dr. Vaughn, a key presenter at the meeting, outlined the rigorous selection process undertaken by the Instructional Resource Review Committees (IRRC) for both elementary and secondary social studies materials. The committees, composed of teachers from various schools, evaluated multiple vendors to ensure that the chosen resources align with West Virginia's educational standards. Notably, the selected materials will be implemented over a five-year cycle, beginning next school year.

For elementary grades K-5, the committee recommended "Studies Weekly" and "Teacher Created Materials," both of which met the state’s requirement of at least 80% alignment with educational standards. "Studies Weekly," which resembles a weekly newspaper, was particularly favored for its engaging format and comprehensive coverage of social studies topics. Meanwhile, "Teacher Created Materials" was highlighted for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating literacy with social studies content.

At the middle and high school levels, the committee selected "Cengage" for sixth and seventh grades, and "Gallaudet" for eighth grade, emphasizing the importance of strong visual aids and primary source analysis. The high school curriculum will include materials from HMH and Pearson, which are designed to be compatible with existing technology platforms like Schoology, enhancing accessibility for students.

The estimated cost for these new materials is approximately $1.4 million, which includes digital access, student workbooks, and teacher training. The board is set to vote on the adoption of these materials on April 21, 2025, with public feedback encouraged through comment forms available both online and at the central office.

This curriculum update is seen as a crucial step in providing students with a more engaging and relevant social studies education, addressing the needs of a diverse student population while ensuring compliance with state standards. The board's commitment to enhancing educational resources reflects a broader goal of improving academic outcomes across Berkeley County Schools.