District outlines K–8 curriculum adoption timeline; mandated K–2 reading screener pilot to be vetted by June

The Amador County Unified School District Board on Wednesday reviewed the timeline and process for K–8 curriculum adoption and received notice of a state mandate requiring a kindergarten‑through‑second‑grade reading screener.

Math and ELA timelines District curriculum staff explained the California Department of Education (CDE) adoption process: CDE issues a framework that guides publishers, publishers submit materials to CDE, and CDE compiles an approved list from which districts select pilot materials. Staff said the new math frameworks were adopted by CDE in July 2023; publishers must submit materials and CDE will review publisher submissions over the coming months. District staff recommended Amador Unified wait until CDE publishes its approved list and then pilot two vetted math programs in 2026–27 rather than undertake an early local pilot that could prove costly if the materials did not make the statewide list.

English language arts (ELA) considerations Curriculum staff noted the current district elementary ELA materials date from the 2015 adoption list and that statewide ELA adoption work may begin in 2027. The district will continue local work to strengthen instruction and teacher practice while awaiting publisher and CDE timelines.

K–2 required screener Staff also said the state has mandated that districts adopt and board‑approve a K–2 reading screener; Amador Unified will pilot one of the approved state screeners starting in April and return to the board with a recommended screener for approval by June so the tool can be used in August for the coming school year. Staff noted the mandated pilot is state‑sponsored and includes funding for implementation for this initial rollout.

Stakeholder input and process When the district pilots materials, staff said the process will include teacher volunteers, administrators, parents and students; pilot teachers will provide formative feedback and the district will hold public input sessions prior to a board adoption recommendation. Staff emphasized an emphasis on "quality first instruction" and universal design for learning (UDL) practices while material adoptions move through the state schedule.

Ending Curriculum staff said they will return with specific pilot recommendations once CDE releases the statewide approved lists and that in the meantime professional development will focus on universal instructional practices and common assessments to create continuity across sites.