School committee adopts Common Lit 360 as middle‑school ELA curriculum

The Burlington School Committee voted March 24 to adopt Common Lit 360 as the district’s middle‑school English curriculum after a two‑year review process involving teacher pilots, educator and caregiver surveys, and school‑level feedback.

Administrators said the review looked at two highly qualified instructional materials (an unnamed 'L' program and Common Lit 360). The district reported caregiver survey responses (about 46 respondents) and educator feedback that strongly favored Common Lit 360 for its balance of rigorous text, full‑text novels, scaffolds for learners, and robust teacher supports. "Our teachers really really felt strongly this would be extremely helpful," the presentation said; one teacher noted the program’s digital and print supports and stronger vocabulary and writing emphasis.

The committee moved and approved the adoption during the meeting. Administrators outlined next steps: a parent information night for incoming grade‑six families on March 31, summer procurement of student and teacher print materials, and continued posting of pacing guides and resources on the district website.

Why it matters: Curriculum adoptions shape classroom instruction for multiple years, affect textbook and materials budgets, and require teacher professional development. District leaders said the chosen program also aligned with the district’s recently adopted K–5 literacy work and supports for students preparing for state assessments.

Next steps: The district will finalize procurement over the summer, provide materials and training, and host a parent information night March 31 for incoming grade‑six families.

Sources: Presentation and vote at the March 24 Burlington School Committee meeting by middle‑school administrators and curriculum staff.