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Board adopts Wit and Wisdom K–8 and Geodes/Foundations early‑grades English language arts program
Summary
After a multi‑week review and public preview, the Hermosa Beach City School District board unanimously adopted Wit and Wisdom for K–8, Geodes (K–3) and Foundations (TK–3) as its English language arts curriculum and approved an eight‑year adoption plan and professional development schedule.
The Hermosa Beach City School District board voted unanimously to adopt the Wit and Wisdom curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade, Geodes for kindergarten through third grade, and Foundations for transitional kindergarten through third grade. The adoption is an eight‑year plan intended to guide instruction and professional development across the district.
Superintendent Dr. Wilds described a multi‑month committee process that used the Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool (IMET) and included teachers, classified staff, librarians, administrators and parents. “We had a very robust committee… we started on February 1… we came back on March 12 and March 26 and we started examining what we considered the top four curricular options using this IMET tool,” Dr. Wilds said, summarizing the review and norming process.
The district highlighted the curriculum’s emphasis on four research‑based practices: explicit foundational skills, regular practice with complex texts, knowledge‑building across units and integrated writing. Dr. Wilds read the adoption vision the committee drafted: “Every student will experience rigorous, evidence‑based literacy instruction that is rooted in foundational skills, text complexity, and knowledge‑building opportunities.” The board and staff said they plan phased professional development and coaching so teachers can begin implementation in the 2025–26 school year.
Materials were available for public review in advance of the meeting and staff said they negotiated pricing and plan to phase delivery and training. Staff told the board the district intends to provide parents and families with unit‑level reading lists and parent guidance as modules roll out.
The motion to adopt passed on a roll call vote of 5–0.
