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Committee endorses VISTA French textbooks and digital platform for World Languages
Summary
World languages teachers recommended adopting the VISTA (Shema) French program for French 1–AP; the committee agreed to forward the roughly $55,000 package (6‑year digital licenses, classroom texts and PD) to the legislative meeting.
World languages staff presented a recommendation May 7 that the education committee forward a French textbook and digital platform adoption to the legislative meeting. Teachers selected the VISTA (referred to in the presentation by its platform name) program after piloting and reviewing competing resources for multimedia and scaffolded supports.
Presenters said teachers valued VISTA’s multimedia platform, storyline videos, and scaffolding that highlights French‑speaking cultures. The recommended cost — approximately $55,000 — includes classroom texts, six years of student digital licenses and professional development. Staff said initial PD would include a June session and ongoing support throughout the year.
Committee members clarified that the recommended package is a resource and that the district’s curriculum (scope and sequence) remains the district’s responsibility. They also noted that AP‑level materials are considered in a later stage; the district has previously adopted AP Spanish texts in a phased approach and may bring AP French resources forward separately after teachers evaluate needs.
