Board hears first reading on new health curriculum after statewide review; high‑school and middle‑school pilots recommended

The Gresham‑Barlow SD 10J Board of Education received a first reading April 16 on a proposed health curriculum adoption after the Oregon Department of Education’s 2024 review of instructional materials.

Instructional staff said ODE recommended several materials that meet state standards; teachers piloted two publishers for middle and high school and preferred one package for each level. For elementary, staff recommended continuing with The Great Body Shop—an ODE‑approved curriculum familiar to families and available in Spanish.

Nut graf: Staff framed the adoption around culturally responsive teaching, student voice and alignment with health and social‑emotional learning standards now incorporated into health. Pilot teams included classroom teachers, special education staff and students; feedback emphasized accessibility, relevance and scaffolded skill development rather than pure content memorization.

Staff noted the adoption timing so schools are not asked to implement multiple curricular overhauls at once; several board members said staggering adoptions helps teachers and students. Staff estimated the middle/high‑school health adoption “around $200,000” for subscription components and said many physical pilot materials are already purchased. Elementary renewal cost figures were discussed but not finalized; staff said more detail will come at the board’s May meeting.

Next steps: The board will receive the second reading and a formal purchase recommendation at the May board meeting. The adoption is not an action item tonight; it was presented to gather board feedback and to report pilot feedback from teachers, students and families.