Board hears multiple curriculum adoptions: Wit and Wisdom for gifted program, health standards update and new elective materials

The board reviewed a series of curriculum adoption recommendations at the March 10 meeting covering elementary gifted instruction, health standards, AP/dual‑credit chemistry, elective social studies updates and a new technical and professional writing course.

Leonardo da Vinci ELA: Staff recommended Wit and Wisdom (Great Minds) for the Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners to provide a rigorous, differentiated English language arts sequence aligned to Wisconsin standards and Act 20 (science of reading) expectations. Staff said the district will pair Wit and Wisdom with UFLI teacher materials for K–3 alignment; professional development and summer training were included in the proposal.

Health curriculum: Middle and high school health courses would be updated to align to the 2024 Shape America National Health Standards, reflect district and county trend data, and incorporate the Human Growth and Development Community Advisory Committee’s recommendations. Presenters said the update emphasizes skill development and that all sixth graders would receive the updated health content.

AP/dual‑credit and electives: Staff presented recommendations to update AP Chemistry and principles of chemistry/dual credit materials (one AP resource to be updated and the dual credit chemistry aligned to UW‑Green Bay materials), to combine AP and dual credit social studies elective materials where feasible, and to adopt new instructional materials for technical and professional writing aligned to career and technical education (CTE) pathways. The technical writing adoption was described as designed to create student artifacts (technical documents, resumes, portfolios) that align with CTE pathways and post‑secondary or vocational goals.

Cost and implementation: Presenters noted some adoptions will require summer professional development and that materials and adoption costs will be included in the budget request for the next fiscal year.

Trustee questions: Board members asked for confirmation that budget requests for these adoptions will be reflected in next year’s budget request; staff confirmed adoptions will be included in the budget process and that some costs are planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

Sources and evidence: Curriculum presenters including the director of literacy and school principals; presentation materials and Q&A during the education agenda item.