CFISD teachers recommend Accelerate Learning STEMscopes for K–8 and Algebra 1; district estimates $7.03 million cost

CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD staff and teachers presented a recommendation to adopt Accelerate Learning STEMscopes for kindergarten through eighth grade and Algebra 1, saying the program is aligned to state standards and offers digital and print resources for teachers, students and parents.

The presentation, led by district staff (Speaker 11) and teacher representatives Holly Hamlin of Reed Elementary and Michelle Perkins of Cypress Ridge High School, emphasized teacher review and a teacher vote that favored STEMscopes. Staff said the material is on the State Board of Education instructional materials approval list and is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Why it matters: the adoption would replace or supplement existing math materials across CFISD campuses and drive an immediate, district-level purchase. Scott Tucker (Speaker 17) told trustees the district expects the adoption cost to be approximately $7,030,496 and that the purchase would be paid at one time from the district’s IMRA-approved materials fund (bucket 2) covering the 09/01/2025–08/31/2027 biennium.

Presenters described a teacher-centered selection process that included teacher representatives at each campus, vendor presentations, campus-level reviews and a rubric. Holly Hamlin, an elementary teacher who helped evaluate materials, said one advantage is the lesson format: “Each lesson cycles the 5 e model, which you see here,” she said, noting the model reduces the learning curve where districts already use the 5E framework.

Michelle Perkins, an Algebra 1 team leader at Cypress Ridge High School, highlighted the digital platform: “This platform provides true digital resources like manipulatives, visualizations for students, along with real time data, which will help teachers easily differentiate instruction,” she said. Presenters added that teacher guides, sample answers, and video lessons are embedded to support both new and experienced teachers.

Trustees asked about parent resources, small-group instruction, and flexibility if the district wants to supplement STEMscopes with open educational resources (OER). Staff said OER supplements are allowable; Miss Hamlin described parent videos and QR codes that connect home and school practice. Staff also said student workbooks are available in print and that digital items can be printed for families who prefer paper-based work.

On cost and timing, Scott Tucker explained the district is considering a four-year adoption cycle and estimated the total cost as stated above, to be charged to IMRA-designated funds. District staff also reported roughly 2,320 collective teacher hours invested in reviewing the materials.

The board heard the presentation and asked questions; the transcript does not record a final board vote on the adoption during this session.

Next steps: the board will continue its review as part of the district’s instructional-materials process; a formal approval or vote was not recorded in the available transcript of this meeting.