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Board reviews first reads for AP U.S. Government, AP U.S. History and ethnic studies instructional materials
Summary
As first reads, curriculum committees recommended updated editions for AP U.S. Government and AP U.S. History and proposed an ethnic studies text for adoption; the materials were placed on public display and the committees reported pilot feedback and estimated adoption costs.
Visalia Unified presented first‑read recommendations on Feb. 11 for three instructional material adoptions: AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History and an ethnic studies course.
Nut graf: Curriculum adoption committees completed review and (for two titles) pilot work and recommended updated or new texts for board consideration and display. The materials are on public display; staff reported student and teacher pilot feedback and projected license and print costs.
Director of teaching and learning Brianne Phillips described the district’s five‑stage adoption process, pilot activities and the committee recommendations: - AP U.S. Government and Politics: The committee reviewed multiple texts and recommended the updated edition of American Government: Stories of a Nation (BFW/McMillan, 2nd ed.). The package would include digital licenses and print editions to create class sets; estimated implementation and training cost: $48,303.54. No public comments had been received as of the Feb. 11 presentation. - AP U.S. History: The committee piloted Give Me Liberty (W.W. Norton, 7th ed.). Teachers and a pilot sample of 103 students provided feedback showing alignment to AP standards and generally positive ratings for usability and rigor. The adoption estimate: $38,420. - Ethnic studies: The committee piloted Voices in Ethnic Studies Survey (Gibbs Smith Education) and surveyed 68 students; teacher feedback emphasized diverse perspectives and accessible materials. The ethnic studies text was placed on public display beginning June 2024 and the committee reported receiving one public comment. Proposed purchase and implementation costs were reported at $77,244.61, including 400 student digital licenses and class sets of print materials.
Phillips said all three recommended adoptions include multi‑year licensing and teacher support during the adoption cycle; the district’s typical adoption period is eight years. Board members asked logistical scheduling questions about how many sections are offered and when textbooks will next be reviewed; Phillips said textbook adoptions are on an eight‑year cycle and growth/replacement funds are used to purchase additional copies if demand increases.
Ending: The presentations were information items (first reads and public display); formal adoption votes will appear on a future agenda after the public‑display period and committee recommendations are finalized.
