Buckeye Valley selects Gallopade for K–3, McGraw Hill Impact for grades 4–5 in elementary social studies adoption

The Buckeye Valley Board of Education heard a report on a multi-year review of elementary social studies materials and the committee’s recommendation to adopt Gallopade for kindergarten through third grade and McGraw Hill’s Impact Social Studies for fourth and fifth grades.

Emily Contini, curriculum, instruction and assessment specialist at Buckeye Valley West, said the committee spent several years vetting materials and prioritized programs that are engaging, manageable for teachers and that feature primary sources. "Gallopade is completely aligned with Ohio's learning standards for social studies as well as Ohio's model curriculum for social studies," Contini said. She added that the committee was impressed by how readily the programs could be implemented in elementary schedules.

For fourth and fifth grades, the district selected McGraw Hill's Impact Social Studies, which committee members said offers flexible pacing options and an inquiry-based structure that includes primary-source materials. Contini noted that because the adoption occurred later than normal, the district plans a four-year adoption cycle rather than the typical six-year cycle and will re-evaluate the materials at the end of that term.

Committee members who served on the review were thanked during the presentation; Contini said some had served on the committee for three years. The transcript indicates sample materials will be available at each elementary school for community review. The meeting did not record a formal board vote on adoption during this session.