Board approves new 5–12 social studies curriculum emphasizing inquiry

The Brainerd Public Schools board voted to adopt the TCI (Teacher Curriculum Institute) social‑studies program for grades 5 through 12 after a year‑and‑a‑half review and classroom pilots.

District staff said TCI supports Minnesota’s revised social-studies standards by emphasizing inquiry, multiple perspectives and disciplinary literacy. Presenters described pilot units (fifth, 10th and other grades) that teachers found to be engaging and suited for varied lesson lengths and translation needs. Adam Langan, a fifth‑grade teacher, said students were ‘‘very interested’’ and that the materials make history more accessible.

The curriculum team — including Meliss Cornia (K–12 literacy and humanities coordinator), Jesse Shepard (high school social‑studies teacher), Adam Langan and other teacher leaders — described vertical alignment from grades 5–12, digital access integrated into the district’s learning platform and assessment changes away from multiple‑choice toward higher‑order, performance‑based tasks.

Director Ward moved approval; Director Dondelinger seconded. The board approved the adoption by voice vote. The administration said implementation planning and professional development will follow, with the goal of districtwide rollout next fall.

Board documents and staff presentations cited the Minnesota standards and the C3 framework as guiding the recommendation. Teachers who piloted TCI reported increased student engagement and teacher‑friendly lesson options during the trial units.

Next steps include building pacing guides, common assessments and a professional‑learning schedule to align instruction and assessment across grades 5–12.