Board reviews early-learning and biology curriculum adoptions; Frog Street and Cengage/National Geographic recommended

District curriculum staff presented two recommended adoptions: Frog Street for early learning (covering 3K and 4K, including dual-language and partner-site programming) and Cengage/National Geographic materials for high-school biology.

The early-learning adoption committee emphasized play-based, thematic instruction with social-emotional learning and early literacy/numeracy supports. Staff said the committee included principals, administrators, teachers and literacy coaches and recommended a six-year curriculum cycle with professional learning and classroom kits purchased at one kit per teacher. The committee requested $303,218 for the six-year cycle. Staff said classroom kits will not arrive before July 1, but online resources and sample materials will be available to teachers over the summer.

For biology, the committee recommended Cengage/National Geographic, citing teacher selection and stronger alignment with science standards and a phenomenon-based approach. Staff described an 'exploration notebook' that accompanies the textbook and provides structured spaces for student investigation; the biology materials were listed at $166,155 for six years. Science coordinator Abby Forrest explained teacher involvement, publisher interviews, multilingual resources and assessment integration. Board members asked whether teachers would have access to materials before the school year; staff said digital access will be provided ahead of fall professional learning.

What’s next: Both adoption requests will move forward to the business meeting for formal approval and budgeting.