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Irvine Unified adopts 2025–26 instructional materials, OKs ethnic-studies pilot and reading screener
Summary
The board approved the 2025–26 instructional materials list, accepted Teen Talk health curriculum per the district—s Health Advisory Committee, and acknowledged an ethnic-studies pilot using curated Newsela and McGraw Hill article sets. The district selected DIBELS (8th edition) as the K–2 reading difficulties screener; state funds will cover year-one costs.
The Irvine Unified School District board voted to approve its proposed instructional materials list for the 2025–26 school year and to accept several implementation plans brought forward by curriculum staff.
Key actions included: accepting the Teen Talk revised school health curriculum as recommended by the IUSD Health Advisory Committee; acknowledging an ethnic-studies pilot that will use curated article sets from Newsela and McGraw Hill—s platform in the fall (teachers will finalize selections during summer curriculum work and an ethnic studies steering committee will review materials before classroom use); and approving the district—s selection of the DIBELS 8th edition as the K–2 reading difficulties screener.
Chris Krebs, executive director of curriculum and instruction, and Blair Padore, coordinator of history/social science, presented the ethnic-studies pilot and described built-in platform safeguards designed to limit student access to only approved content. Deanna Rutter, director of literacy, said the screener was chosen because it "gives teachers direct insight into how students are reading, not just scores, but real patterns and strategies which is critical in early intervention." The board noted that the state will cover first-year costs for the screener with Proposition 98 funds.
Board members asked about public access to the pilot materials once teachers finalize selections; district staff said a curated list will be available for public review when the materials are proposed for adoption. Trustees also praised use of differentiated formats, including graphic novels and leveled articles, to support diverse learners.
The motion to adopt the instructional materials list as presented passed by voice vote. The district said the ethnic-studies pilot will proceed this fall and that materials selected by teachers will be subject to review before classroom implementation.
