ACPS outlines timeline to select new K–5 math program, aims for 2025–26 implementation

Albemarle County Public Schools staff told the school board on Jan. 9 they intend to review and recommend a new K–5 math curriculum aligned with Virginia’s 2023 standards of learning and aim to implement the selected program in the 2025–26 school year.

Michelle Kastner, executive director of elementary education, introduced the adoption process and steering committee. Nyoka Green, the district’s newly hired elementary math curriculum coordinator, said the adoption aims to provide “resources that are well aligned with the new SOLs” and to support teachers across K–5 with consistent materials.

Staff said they will use a multi‑tiered committee structure that includes campus administrators, roughly 28 K–5 teachers, EL and special education representatives, instructional coaches and community partners. The timeline presented calls for the adoption committee to begin meeting in February, narrow selections by late February, provide top candidates for school review in March, host publisher presentations in mid‑March, and aim to complete committee work and forward a final recommendation to the superintendent in April with a potential public 30‑day review to follow in May.

District staff listed four programs they plan to review: Kiddom (based on Illustrative Mathematics), Envision Math (Savvas), Reveal Math and Into Math (HMH). Staff said several of those products have favorable independent reviews (EdReports) and that some vendors already have materials for secondary grades; the district said vertical alignment across K–12 is a consideration. Kastner and Green said preference will be given to programs on the state‑approved list but the committee may review other materials as well.

Board members asked about parent selection for the committee (principals solicited volunteers), budgeting for purchase and professional learning (staff said they are working with Finance to ensure funds are available but detailed cost packaging depends on the vendor and product chosen), and assessment/data reporting. Craig Domer, speaking on assessment, said the committee rubric will include assessment and data management features and that staff want performative/longitudinal assessment tied to the core resource so the district can track student progress K–5.

Board members raised concerns about staff capacity and the proximity of another major adoption (recent K–5 literacy adoption). Staff acknowledged implementation workload and said they are planning professional learning and additional special education–focused preparation after adoption to support inclusive implementation.

The timeline presented remains subject to change if the Commonwealth’s review and vendor approvals shift; staff noted the Virginia Department of Education postponed its planned Dec. review of approved materials, which tightened the district’s schedule.

The board did not vote on adoption on Jan. 9; the presentation was informational and staff will return with committee recommendations and cost details later in the spring.