District Learning and Innovation staff told the Curriculum and Instruction Committee on April 3 that next school year professional learning will prioritize subject-specific training (literacy, math, science, social studies), differentiated instruction and supports for special populations including English learners and students with disabilities.

The presenter said teacher feedback elevated technology and AI-related learning and that the district will emphasize professional learning communities, coaching cycles, peer observation and job-embedded curriculum work. Staff said they will use institute days, early-release time and staff meetings to schedule meaningful professional development and that any contracts needed to deliver external consulting will be brought to the Board in May.

In a separate agenda item the administration placed materials adoptions for 26 Huntley High School courses on a 30-day public review. The presenter said many of the adoptions reflect required dual-credit texts where partner universities changed textbooks, and one new course — Financial Algebra and Applications — is being added as a senior math elective. Digital access to the proposed texts will be provided to trustees and the public, and the items are expected back on the consent agenda in May.

Committee members asked whether open-source (OER) textbooks had been considered; staff said they had not reviewed open-source materials in this cycle but were willing to explore them as a potential cost-saving option.

Ending: Staff will return with any contracts needed for professional learning in May, and the 30-day textbook review will conclude before the materials return on the consent agenda.