Scottsdale Unified board adopts new social science curriculum after contentious public comment, 3-2

The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted 3-2 on May 13 to adopt a set of new social science instructional materials, including texts and digital resources for World History, World Geography, American and Arizona History, AP World History: Modern, AP Human Geography and AP U.S. History. The adoption followed a yearlong review by a district curriculum committee and a public review period that the district said included posted materials and public feedback.

Why it matters: The adoption affects the core instructional materials used in core social science courses and several AP classes at the district’s high schools. Supporters told the board the materials align to Arizona standards and AP course descriptions and include teacher supports, primary sources and digital tools intended to prepare students for state and AP exams. Opponents said the texts portray law enforcement and other topics in a biased way and urged the board to reject the package.

The committee process and board review The district said the materials were reviewed by a legally constituted social science curriculum adoption committee made up of teachers, a high school administrator and a community member, with meetings posted…