Upper Darby committee recommends Bedford, Freeman and Worth textbooks for new AP African American studies course

The Upper Darby School District—s Education and Pupil Services Committee recommended Jan. 28 that the board adopt Bedford, Freeman and Worth print and digital resources for an Advanced Placement African American Studies course slated to begin in the 2025-26 school year.

Director Brittney Williams asked administrators to present the recommended curricular materials. The committee reported that the textbook selection followed Policy 108—s textbook-adoption procedures: a small committee reviewed materials from at least three publishers (Bedford, Freeman and Worth; McGraw Hill; Pearson Education), evaluated readability, teacher resources, primary-source inclusion and alignment to AP standards, and completed required administrative paperwork. The committee recommended purchasing 70 print textbooks and six years of digital access; the committee presented an estimated upfront cost of approximately $12,000 for the 70 textbooks and an annual digital cost of about $2,000 over six years. The publisher—s quote includes teacher resources and professional development at no additional charge.

If the board approves the committee—s recommendation at its February meeting, the district said it would purchase print and digital licenses for the 2025-26 school year and maintain the resources for six years. Committee members emphasized the decision followed the district's standard review process and noted the materials were selected for comprehensive content coverage, primary sources, and alignment to AP exam standards.

The recommendation will be placed on the board—s February agenda for formal action. The committee presentation and slides referenced Policy 108 as the governing adoption process; administrators said supporting materials and the committee—s evaluation are available in BoardDocs.