Assistant superintendent: teachers selected updated social-studies materials after district-wide review

The committee heard a curriculum update on social studies from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle McHugh, who said a district-wide teacher survey and a curriculum subcommittee review identified longstanding gaps in social-studies materials and recommended new adoptions.

Dr. McHugh said the district began the revision cycle in 2024, surveyed every teacher who teaches social studies and civics, and used a rubric to evaluate programs for organization, teacher support, accessibility and cultural sensitivity. For elementary grades the committee selected a program called "Young Citizens" (with a separate Massachusetts-focused third-grade text to preserve local history and Little Red Schoolhouse visits). For grades 6'8 the committee recommended a McGraw Hill program that includes support for the eighth-grade civics standard. The district plans to purchase materials and provide a short training for teachers before the end of the school year, with additional professional development in the fall.

Dr. McHugh described the condition of existing texts: committee members noted old spines crumbling and taped pages. The assistant superintendent said the district will also provide accompanying print and digital resources, maps and globes appropriate to grade levels.

What's next: Materials procurement is planned before year end, short training will be offered to teachers prior to summer, and further professional development is scheduled in the fall to support implementation.