K‑12 social studies curriculum committee recommends Studies Weekly for elementary, Pearson texts for high school
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Summary
A multi-year curriculum review led the district to recommend South Dakota‑focused Studies Weekly for elementary social studies and Pearson materials for high-school courses; the board was briefed on the committee process and where sample materials can be reviewed.
District curriculum committees presented their recommended K‑12 social studies resources after a year of needs assessment, standards alignment and resource review.
The committee said the 2024 statewide standards significantly changed social-studies expectations, prompting two years of local review. For elementary grades the committee recommended South Dakota Studies Weekly — a state-focused, student-friendly resource described by presenters as visually rich with vocabulary supports, virtual field trips and teacher-facing videos and podcasts.
At the middle-school level the committee selected a publisher and materials designed to allow chronological sequence across seventh and eighth grades while enabling teachers to customize instruction. Presenters noted robust online supports, primary sources and compatibility with Google Classroom and other digital tools.
For high school the recommendation includes Pearson texts for core courses and existing AP materials for advanced classes; the committee highlighted question rigor and materials that support analytical skills for AP‑level work.
Presenters said the curriculum review was cooperative and extensive: committees included teachers, parents and at least one board member and worked through a needs assessment, standards alignment, and resource review. Sample print resources were placed on a table in the building lobby and the district posted digital samples on the curriculum web page; the presentation was described as the committee’s recommendation rather than a final adoption vote.
The board was told the public may view samples at district offices for the next 30 days, Monday–Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and that the district plan is to return formal adoption items to the board after the public-review window and any additional administrative checks.