Board adopts new TK and elementary math curricula for 2025–26; district schedules PD and rollout

The San Rafael City School Board approved two curriculum adoptions April 21: a play-based transitional kindergarten curriculum recommended by a pilot team and California Classroom Mathematics (i-Ready) for kindergarten through fifth grade.

District staff said the TK adoption follows pilot work aligned to California’s TK learning foundations and is intended to provide consistent, developmentally appropriate, play-based instruction across all TK classrooms. The recommendation includes embedded small-group lessons for the second adult in TK classrooms and publisher-provided professional development during August.

For mathematics, district pilot teams tested two candidate programs across multiple sites this school year. After teacher trials, surveys and consensus work, the board adopted California Classroom Mathematics (i-Ready). Staff said the program was selected for teacher usability, frequent comprehension checks, student discourse routines and integration with the district’s diagnostics and personalized learning path (i-Ready MyPath). The district plans a phased roll-out with learning labs, classroom coaching and a summer shipment of materials.

Implementation steps and oversight: Staff explained the adoption is not a “turnkey” fix; it requires two to three years of classroom coaching and supports to reach fidelity. The district will stage learning labs, allocate instructional-coach time, and provide publisher professional development. Board members requested ongoing updates on implementation, parent communication and monitoring for any “implementation dip” during the early rollout.

Why it matters: Math and early-learning curricula shape daily instruction and assessment across the district. Trustees stressed the need for sustained professional development and cross-campus coordination so students receive consistent instruction across school sites.