District lays out course selection, adoptions, dyslexia screening and Early College Academy; board hears push to switch junior testing from CAASPP to SAT

Assistant Superintendent Dustin Seaman used the Feb. 11 school board meeting to walk trustees through multiple instructional initiatives that will affect course schedules and assessments for the 2025–26 school year.

The most immediate items were course selection and testing timelines. Seaman said site counselors continue course verification through April and reminded families there will be a Swap‑a‑Palooza in August to let students change courses before the school year begins. He also outlined the district’s assessment calendar: local diagnostic assessments (I‑Ready and NWEA), PSAT/SAT administration, CAASPP window in April and Advanced Placement exam schedules in May.

Why it matters: Trustees used the presentation to press for clearer communications to families and to debate assessment strategy. Multiple trustees and staff argued the state CAASPP exam consumes instructional time and urged the district to advocate at the state level for moving to SAT or ACT school day for 11th grade; Seaman said the district would draft a letter and pursue regional advocacy.

Curriculum adoptions and ethnic‑studies planning: Seaman said the district is running two math adoptions (elementary and…