Teachers recommend Savas curriculum for district 6–12 English adoption; board to vote in May

District staff and a committee of 6–12 teachers told the Three Rivers School Board on April 15 they recommend adopting the Savas (My Perspectives) ELA curriculum for grades 6–12.

Casey, who led the adoption committee, explained that 13 teachers piloted two curricula (HMH and Savas) in January–February and reviewed alignment with Oregon ELA standards, vertical scaffolding and online resources. Teachers who piloted both options said Savas was easier to implement, showed clearer vertical alignment across grades and provided richer online resources (audio readings and substitute-friendly materials). Two pilot teachers — Karen Gina (12th-grade English) and Nicholas Keer (8th-grade English) — presented side-by-side comparisons and reported teacher and student preference for Savas.

The administration said the recommended adoption includes a two-year professional-development plan intended to ensure fidelity of implementation. Casey referenced an estimated professional-development cost (described in the meeting as close to $600,000) and said materials will be available for families and staff to review before the May board meeting, when the adoption is expected to be the action item.

What the board will consider: trustees will review cost proposals and the district’s plan for multi-year training and support. Staff said the district will publish slides and allow public review of materials at the curriculum office and during an evening event ahead of the May vote.

Next step: The board is expected to consider the formal adoption at its May meeting after public review and follow-up questions from trustees.