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District committees recommend AP Human Geography and NGSS-aligned physics texts
Summary
Curriculum committees recommended a new AP Human Geography text (first read) and selected a National Geographic NGSS-aligned physics title for on-level courses, with OpenStax suggested for honors. Board members asked clarifying questions about student sign-ups, print vs. digital options and platform support for problem sets.
The curriculum committees briefed the board on proposed textbook adoptions for upcoming courses.
Lucy Areca, the district social studies program administrator, presented the AP Human Geography committee’s recommendation: a 10-member committee scored three candidate texts and recommended one title for adoption in the AP Human Geography course to begin at Greenwich High School in 2026. The committee’s criteria included curriculum alignment, assessment supports and suitability for the expected student cohort; Areca said at least two students on the committee had already pre-enrolled in the course.
On science textbooks, the science program team (Sean Hoyt and Ms. Farnham) recommended a National Geographic phenomena-driven physics text for the on-level physics curriculum and OpenStax for honors. The physics committee said the National Geographic book’s high-quality photography and phenomenon-led approach better supports inquiry-based instruction, while OpenStax provides a rigorous, low-cost honors option. Staff described an online problem-set platform identified via a university partner to provide automated practice similar to WebAssign and said the plan includes some physical copies for honors classes and print-on-demand options.
Board members asked about access for families and students (digital vs. print), whether student test-sign-up interest was known, and the timing for adoption. District staff said committees will supply any follow-up details and that the AP Human Geography recommendation currently stands as a first read; the physics book arrived late to committee review and was considered as a timely NGSS-aligned option.
