Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board begins review of AP textbook updates after College Board guidance flagged
Loading...
Summary
District staff told the Fountain Hills Unified School Board that several AP textbooks exceed the College Board's 10‑year guidance and recommended gathering samples and opening a public review period before deciding whether to order new editions or start full adoptions.
District staff brought forward an information item asking the board for guidance on updating several Advanced Placement textbooks that are older than the College Board’s 10‑year recommendation. Doctor Kussing and other staff said three AP titles — including an AP Statistics book from 2015 and an older AP Calculus edition — prompted the question whether to order new editions or initiate a textbook adoption process.
Staff explained the books had been approved previously but newer editions are available. The board discussed whether a full adoption process is necessary and whether district budget constraints and availability of digital licenses (versus physical textbooks) should shape the approach. One staff member suggested a 60‑day public review so board members and the public can inspect sample content; staff said electronic samples could be provided.
An email referenced in the meeting, forwarded by Christina Robinson, warns that without an updated textbook (newer than 10 years) AP course audit status could be affected and jeopardize AP designation unless course materials are otherwise changed. Staff said they will investigate the strictness of the College Board requirement and whether phased updates are acceptable, and will return with samples and legal guidance at a future meeting.
What happens next: Staff will obtain sample copies or digital access to the updated editions, coordinate with the district attorney if necessary, and present findings and recommendations at a future meeting so the board can determine the procurement or adoption path.
Quoted from the meeting: "We have 3 textbooks that are board approved from the past that the teachers are asking ... that we need to do a new edition for," Doctor Kussing said. "Christina Robinson forwarded ... the AP course audit ... basically saying without a, updated textbook, something that's newer than 10 years, our course will not remain eligible for AP designation."
