Fairbanks district outlines major social studies rewrite, recommends Savvas and McGraw Hill materials

District curriculum staff presented a comprehensive rewrite of social studies on April 21, proposing new course sequencing, embedded research-and-inquiry units at every grade level and vendor-adopted materials for classroom use.

The rewrite, described by the district’s curriculum team, responds to Alaska’s 2024 social studies standards that emphasize "Alaska everywhere" and encourage thematic units. Curriculum writers said they engaged teachers and the public throughout 2024–2026 in multiple drafting rounds, and the board curriculum committee recommended the final draft for board consideration.

Staff said the changes keep familiar content (for example, sixth-grade coverage of ancient civilizations) while weaving Alaska-focused content across elementary and secondary grades. Middle-school teachers had urged preserving ancient civilizations; the final draft addresses the state standards by distributing Alaska-focused standards across sixth and seventh grades rather than moving all Alaska content to a single grade. At the secondary level, staff added new course options including a year-long "U.S. history: Wars and Conflicts" course and a semester "Introduction to Anthropology" elective, and recommended emphasizing AP World History as a rigorous sophomore pathway.

Curriculum writers emphasized a new district-wide requirement: a research-and-inquiry unit is now included in every course. "Research and inquiry will be scaffolded by grade level so a sixth grader’s project differs from a junior’s," a curriculum presenter said, arguing the change supports National History Day-style work and helps students develop analysis skills beyond memorizing timelines.

Teaching & Learning staff also described the materials-selection process. After vetting multiple publishers, distributing samples to schools for week-long teacher review, and soliciting community feedback, staff recommended Savvas for middle school and McGraw Hill for high school resources. They noted a shortage of full-length Alaska-specific textbooks and said supplemental Alaska materials would be used where needed.

Board members asked about sequencing and rigor. One board member welcomed the research-and-inquiry requirement and asked how it would be scaffolded; staff said they will provide grade-level guidance and curricular supports. Staff said final adoption of both curriculum and materials is expected at the board’s May 5 meeting.

The curriculum rewrite presentation and materials recommendation were informational; no final adoption occurred April 21. The board will consider action items on May 5, and staff said the Borough Finance process is ongoing and could affect resource timelines.

Pending action, teachers will receive rollout supports and training during the implementation phase.