Committee approves social studies textbooks for review as curriculum work begins

The committee approved the use of social studies textbooks for curriculum development at the April 13 meeting but was not asked to authorize purchases.

Doctor Hochoff told the committee the district is asking only to approve the books for review and curriculum writing, and that purchases would come to the committee and board separately when the administration is ready to buy copies or licenses. "So this is another example of a time that we are not ready to implement these new books just yet, but we are going to be writing curriculum from them," she said, and invited any board member who wanted a copy to take one and return it to the next reviewer.

Brett Farley explained edition selections: newer TCI editions are being used in 6th and 8th grades because the district's online subscription for older editions expires at the end of next year; other grade levels selected different series based on text complexity and online resource options to support differentiation.

Planned course statements: Administrators also presented planned-course statements to address a curriculum gap created when the tech school's graduation requirements were reduced from four social studies credits to three. They proposed combined course options so students who only need three credits can still obtain civics and government content (e.g., combined 9/10 or combined 11/12 versions) and said both course options would be available to run if student interest warrants it.

Next steps: Administration will return to the committee and the board later with purchasing recommendations and implementation timelines; meanwhile board members may review the sample books during the committee period.