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Board approves new world‑language instructional materials for seven‑year term
Summary
Following a months‑long RFP review and field tests by teachers and students, trustees approved adoption of world‑language instructional materials — including Chinese, French, German and Spanish programs — for an estimated $2.925 million over seven years.
The Washoe County School District Board on April 28 approved staff recommendations to adopt new world‑language instructional materials for a seven‑year term beginning July 1, 2026.
The recommendation followed a formal adoption process that included a request for proposals, a trained review committee, public comment and teacher field testing. Students and teachers evaluated usability, standards alignment and engagement; high‑school students favored the Lingo platform for French, German and Spanish while middle‑school students responded positively to Vista for Spanish.
Nicole Johnson, the district's director of secondary academics and assessment, described the selection process and funding plan. "Teachers field tested the materials and solicited student input," Johnson said. "A committee looked at depth of standards alignment, scope and sequence, and teacher and student supports." The board approved contracts with Carnegie Learning (Chinese), Lingo Language Labs (French, German, Spanish), Vista Higher Learning (middle‑school Spanish) and Wayside Publishing (AP Spanish literature) for an approximate combined amount of $2.925 million.
Next steps: Staff will purchase materials, align pacing guides, and provide teacher and administrator training prior to the 2026‑27 school year.
What to watch: The materials will be rolled out with training and district pacing; staff will monitor adoption and teacher feedback during implementation.
