Novi board adopts new 5–12 English-language arts materials after multi-year pilot

The Novi Community School District Board of Education voted 6–0 on May 14 to adopt new English-language arts instructional materials for grades 5–12, selecting Great Minds Arts & Letters for grades 5–8 and HMH Into Literature for grades 9–12.

Teaching and learning staff presented results from a multi‑phase pilot that began in October 2024 and included 22 teachers across 63 course sections. "We are recommending tonight Great Minds Arts and Letters for grades 5 through 8 and HMH Into Literature for grades 9 through 12," Mr. Jeremy, the district curriculum lead, told the board during the presentation.

The recommendation grew from a structured review process that weighed principal and teacher perception data, classroom observations, student writing and assessment alignment, vendor professional-development supports and financial considerations. Staff described the district’s objective: create a vertically aligned K–12 literacy trajectory so students encounter coherent knowledge-building and skills development from early grades through high school.

Board members pressed staff on pilot details. Mr. Jeremy said the high‑school data strongly favored Into Literature, while the 5–8 results were mixed across buildings and risked creating program “jumping” between grades if different resources were adopted at adjacent levels. The presentation noted that StudySync did not perform well in the pilot and that Fish Tank Learning withdrew efforts to be placed on the state list, prompting staff to narrow and deepen the two‑phase pilot rather than continue with three vendors.

Implementation planning is already scheduled: staff said they will order materials for summer distribution, convene design teams to plan vertical transitions and provide vendor and district professional development to support teachers. Mr. Jeremy told the board pilots focused on ensuring grade‑level access for students with differing needs through targeted supports and scaffolds.

The board’s adoption begins an implementation phase that staff said will include summer planning with teacher design teams, ongoing observations and follow-up professional development. The district intends to monitor classroom implementation and student work to guide any future adjustments.

The board approved the recommendation unanimously; procurement and rollout activities are expected to begin immediately following the vote.