WJCC committees recommend Mathspace for Algebra 2 and BFW for AP Environmental Science

Adoption committees convened under school board policy to review publisher materials and recommended two textbook adoptions for secondary courses: Mathspace Virginia Algebra 2 for Algebra 2 and Algebra 2 with trigonometry, and Bedford, Freeman & Worth (BFW) Environmental Science for AP Environmental Science. Both committee recommendations include print and digital access and vendor-provided professional learning supports for a seven‑year term.

Division staff said the Algebra 2 recommendation follows the Virginia Board of Education’s revised mathematics standards approved Aug. 31, 2023, and the VDOE approval process for textbooks. The algebra committee evaluated two Vendor‑approved textbooks, conducted an eight‑week public review period with hard‑copy access at the board office and online platform access, and used a 14‑member committee representing teachers, special‑education and gifted staff, administrators, parents and a school board representative. The committee voted to select Mathspace Virginia Algebra 2, citing alignment with the 2023 VDOE standards, differentiation tools, AI‑supported practice and dashboards for monitoring student practice and performance.

Separately, the AP Environmental Science committee followed a similar process and recommended the Bedford, Freeman & Worth resource, citing curriculum alignment to the College Board AP course description, Canvas integration, intuitive online interface, and end‑of‑unit practice that mirrors AP exam format. Committee membership included AP teachers, special‑education and gifted staff, administrators and a parent; materials were available for public review both in person and online for seven weeks.

Presenters described implementation planning that begins after board approval: unit‑plan alignment work during the summer, professional learning during pre‑service, and ongoing teacher coaching and collaboration throughout the 2025–26 school year. Administrators said the division will provide teacher training during the summer and throughout the school year and will revise unit plans to align with the adopted materials.

Board members asked when most instruction will occur via digital platform; presenters said most students will use the digital platform and that classroom sets will be purchased to ensure equity of access. A board member asked when current books were purchased; staff said they were “quite some time ago” and that staff would provide exact dates on request.

Both adoptions were presented for board review; staff recommended the board be prepared to vote at the May 20 meeting.