Canyon ISD adopts STEMscopes for K'Algebra I; board approves purchase unanimously

Canyon ISD trustees voted unanimously to adopt STEMscopes as the district's math instructional materials for kindergarten through Algebra I for the 2025'26 school year.

District communications director Lisa Johnson and the instructional adoption team detailed a multi-stage review process that included research-based rubric training for committee members, vendor presentations to all math teachers, and an open teacher vote held March 4'12. Of roughly 97 elementary voters, 62% ranked STEMscopes their first choice; intermediate and junior-high teachers also favored STEMscopes overwhelmingly, and high school Algebra I teachers backed STEMscopes in their advisory vote.

Administrators said STEMscopes is a fully aligned K'Algebra I curriculum that follows a skills-based lesson cycle and the 5E instructional model; it includes end-of-lesson exit tickets, unit assessments compatible with STAAR item types, embedded tiered intervention for small-group instruction, and grade-level materials that teachers may access across grades to address learning gaps. The district highlighted that STEMscopes is a State Board-approved instructional resource and therefore remains eligible for the Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) state funding.

District staff outlined per-student pricing presented by the vendor: approximately $39.95 for one year (under $40) with a two-year option that averaged $71.50 per student across the term; staff said the multi-year option offered cost savings if the board chose a longer licensing term. Trustees moved to adopt the recommendation; the motion carried 7-0.

Implementation work, including professional development and pacing checks, is scheduled June'August and throughout the 2025'26 year.