WJCC curriculum committees recommend new textbooks for 4–5 science and AP African‑American studies

Two textbook adoption recommendations were presented to the Williamsburg‑James City County School Board on May 5 following multi‑stakeholder review processes.

Miss Ford described the grade 4–5 science selection: a 27‑member committee (including a school‑board representative) reviewed two publishers over a nine‑week public review period. The committee unanimously recommended Five Ponds Press' Science All Around Us, citing strong alignment to Virginia standards of learning, developmentally appropriate content, balanced print and digital instructional models, accessibility features such as human‑read audio, and implementation readiness. Staff said they will purchase digital teacher materials and student textbooks for 2026–27 and consider print bundles when the 2027 edition becomes available.

For AP African‑American studies, the adoption committee compared three publishers after public access to books and digital platforms during the review period. The committee voted to select Bedford, Freeman & Worth's Freedom on My Mind, a print‑and‑digital package administrators said best aligned to the College Board course and exam description, integrated primary sources effectively and provided AP‑level skill support and professional learning resources.

Both presenters described inclusive committee membership (teachers, administrators, special‑education and gifted staff, and parents), public access to materials at central offices and online, and unanimous committee recommendations. Administration indicated print purchases will be considered when editions and budgets permit and recommended the board act on final adoption at the forthcoming meeting.

Neither adoption received a final vote May 5; both were presented as recommendations with implementation planning discussed.