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Bassett Unified recommends new elementary math program; middle‑school decision deferred
Summary
After a yearlong pilot involving 25 teachers and hundreds of student surveys, the district’s elementary committee recommended Curriculum Associates’ California Classroom Mathematics for TK–5; the board heard that middle‑school teams requested additional piloting and adoption will be delayed to allow more review.
Jason Tavait, Bassett Unified’s curriculum coordinator, presented the results of a districtwide math adoption pilot at the May 19 board meeting, saying the process included 25 teachers across elementary, middle and high school subcommittees and “hundreds of responses from students” that informed committee recommendations. The elementary subcommittee recommended Curriculum Associates’ California Classroom Mathematics for TK–5 and the high‑school group identified a program that meets its needs, Tavait said. “We are confident that they will meet our students' and teachers' needs,” he added.
Middle‑school teachers, Tavait said, were not yet satisfied with the two finalist programs and asked for more time. With the superintendent’s support, he told the board the district will continue middle‑school piloting into the fall and likely bring a midyear adoption recommendation for middle grades.
Wendy Camargo, speaking for the Bassett Teachers Association and reading a letter from BTA president Carla Mahaffey, praised the adoption process as “transparent, inclusive, and truly centered on what is best for students and teachers,” and thanked Dr. Julie Harrison and Tavait for honoring teacher voice. The BTA’s statement, read at the meeting, also noted that teachers felt respected and expressed appreciation that middle‑school staff will continue piloting.
Board members asked practical questions — including which textbook is currently in use. Tavait replied that the district will continue using HMH’s California Mathematics until any new adoption is finalized. Trustees praised the rigor and cultural appropriateness of the recommended elementary materials and the process that included teacher and student feedback.
The board did not take a final adoption vote for middle school; the superintendent and curriculum staff will return with a timeline and a final recommendation after additional piloting. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 9, when staff are expected to return with further drafts and timelines as needed.
