Cleveland schools adopt McGraw Hill for K–8, split high-school selection for science classes
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Summary
The Cleveland City Schools Board voted to adopt McGraw Hill science materials for kindergarten through eighth grade and approved a mixed set of high-school textbooks following teacher and parent review. The vote passed unanimously.
The Cleveland City Schools Board of Education voted Wednesday to adopt McGraw Hill science instructional materials for kindergarten through eighth grade and to approve a combined set of high‑school texts — STEMscopes for biology, chemistry and physics, and McGraw Hill for earth and space, physical science and environmental science.
Board members approved the adoption after curriculum staff described a months‑long selection process that involved teacher steering committees, vendor presentations and a public display period for parents and staff to review materials.
Teachers and parents who reviewed the finalists told the board the recommended materials are organized and teacher‑friendly, include hands‑on lab options and provide digital supports for one‑to‑one classrooms. "The program would be very beneficial to schools that are working on towards STEM designation," one summary of teacher feedback said. Parent comments highlighted age‑appropriate graphics and multiple hands‑on activities.
Dr. Kelly Lang, who oversaw the high‑school review, told the board that fewer vendor options were available for secondary courses, requiring the district to select different vendors for different high‑school classes. "For biology, chemistry and physics, their recommendation was STEMscopes," Lang said. "For earth and space, physical science, and environmental science, the recommendation is McGraw Hill."
Miss Bender, who led the elementary review, described teacher and parent comment fields and said the elementary recommendation for McGraw Hill was driven by ease of use in lower grades and a clear alignment to standards. "McGraw Hill had many options for students to be interactive during the lesson," she said.
Board members discussed classroom time and integration with ELA and math, noting that lower grades already use ELA time to address some science and social studies standards. Lang said staff will assemble teacher‑written pacing guides for lower elementary so teachers have a manageable set of lessons to implement without overloading classroom schedules.
The board also heard that the state extended the adoption cycle from six to eight years; Dr. Lang said that change makes the up‑front cost look larger because materials are purchased for an eight‑year period. The district will evaluate lab kit needs separately, and staff noted some elementary lab kit quotes may be more expensive than building kits locally.
The motion to adopt the recommended materials carried on a voice vote called by Miss Wheeler; board members voting yes included Carolyn Ingram, Andy Lay, Peggy Pesterfield, Jody Riggins, Nate Tucker, Renee Diamond and Matt Coleman. The board directed staff to proceed with purchasing and with planning professional development tied to the new materials.
Board members and staff said professional development and teacher pacing support will accompany the adoption. Dr. Lang said vendors include PD packages and the district will schedule training so teachers can implement the materials with fidelity.
The new curriculum is scheduled for district rollout as budget and procurement timelines allow; staff said quotes have been collected and the purchase will be considered within the annual budget process.
