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District 11 staff recommend new ELA, chemistry, Spanish and arts curricula; full board action pending
Summary
District 11 staff recommended new literacy programs, chemistry, Spanish and arts curricula on April 2 and outlined professional development and rollout plans; the board asked technical questions and requested further details on a media practicum before voting.
Colorado Springs School District 11 staff presented a package of recommended instructional materials and course approvals April 2, including proposed K–8 and high‑school English‑language arts curricula, a new chemistry text, an updated high‑school health resource, a K–8 visual and performing arts (VAPA) curriculum and a new Spanish series.
District staff described a multi‑stakeholder review process—teachers, school leaders, parents and community members—that piloted materials and narrowed vendor choices. The administration proposed Amplify (CKLA) for elementary literacy and Amplify for middle school, with HMH Into Literature recommended for high‑school ELA. Staff said pilot teachers reported high engagement and that materials align with the science of reading and integration with district platforms.
Other recommendations included a phenomenon‑based chemistry program (SAVVAS), updated Glencoe health resources, Art of Education for VAPA K–8 and a Wayside Spanish series. Staff described professional development plans—districtwide half‑days, department chair training and coaching—to roll out new materials and indicated some K–12 literacy work would be funded with Mill Levy Override dollars.
The board asked technical and implementation questions: whether world language credits would be required (the administration said they were not changing graduation requirements to mandate two years of world language); how personal finance requirements might be embedded into math or social studies; and how teachers would receive training and kits. Curriculum staff said scope-and-sequence teams would create common formative assessments and that first-quarter lesson materials would be ready for teachers at the start of the school year, with phased development thereafter.
Trustees also asked for follow-up information on one proposed community partner course, a Professional Media Practicum that involves offsite work with an industry partner; board members requested details on costs, volunteer requirements, transportation and the partner organization’s role before that course returns as an action item.
The materials and courses were presented for the board’s consideration and will appear as action items at a future meeting after staff provides the additional clarifications requested by trustees.
