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District 97 picks two ELA resources to pilot in middle schools after teacher and student review
Summary
After a departmental review of 13 candidate ELA resources and vendor presentations, District 97’s core‑instruction leadership selected a pilot pairing—Imagine Learning StudySync and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Literature—to pilot in middle‑school ELA next year, citing hybrid print/digital supports, differentiation and alignment with K–5 knowledge building.
District curriculum leaders presented the middle‑school English language arts (ELA) resource review and announced the two resources selected for piloting after teacher and student review.
Dr. Lawrence (middle‑school instructional leader) and curriculum coordinator Veena Rajashekhar described a multi‑phase review in which 13 comprehensive resources were screened, six vendors invited for presentations, and teachers used the Illinois State Board curriculum evaluation rubric to narrow options. Student advisory groups also reviewed student‑facing print materials from top candidates and provided feedback on engagement and representation.
The core‑instruction leadership team recommended Proposal 2: a pilot of Imagine Learning StudySync alongside Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Literature. Staff cited three reasons for selecting the pairing: robust differentiation and accessibility for diverse learners; a hybrid platform (print plus digital) that supports multiple teaching modalities; and knowledge‑building units that align with recent K–5 adoptions. Staff said pilot materials and professional learning plans will be finalized by June 30, with materials ordered by July 15 and pilot units selected by teachers for SY27.
The presentation noted the pilot cost will remain below the district’s $25,000 threshold for this phase and emphasized teacher voice in decision‑making; staff also acknowledged that some teachers preferred alternate resources and described follow‑up meetings to share rationale and collect feedback.
Board members asked about dependency on devices and whether print workbooks are available; staff said both resources include print options and training will emphasize purposeful, balanced use of technology in instruction.
Staff will return with a finalized pilot plan and professional learning schedule; no purchase approval beyond pilot ordering was requested at the meeting.
