Board adopts new K–8 English language arts materials after committee review
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Summary
The board unanimously approved the district's recommendation to adopt updated K–8 English language arts instructional materials, citing a multi‑year teacher committee review and the need to align materials with Common Core and ELD/special‑education requirements.
The San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education on May 8 voted unanimously to adopt new K–8 English language arts instructional materials recommended by the curriculum committee.
District presenters described a multi‑stage adoption process that began because the district’s currently adopted materials dated to 2003 and were not aligned with more recent state adoptions and Common Core standards. A committee of teachers, a parent and a San Francisco State University partner reviewed materials, narrowed publishers, solicited student feedback and used selection criteria to recommend a subset of instructional tools—cited in the staff report as California Treasures (K–5) and McDougall Littell (6–8) among others.
Presenters emphasized that adopted materials are a subset of instructional tools and not a district curriculum in themselves; they said supplemental digital and online resources are expected to be part of classroom practice. Commissioners praised the committee process and noted the importance of updated, standards‑aligned materials despite existing fiscal pressures.
The board recorded a unanimous roll call in favor of the recommendation. Staff said digital/technological components are available (CDs and online access for teachers and students) and that the adoption will better support ELD and special‑education needs where required by recent state adoptions.
