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Board adopts TCI social studies curriculum amid requests for wider review
Summary
After a pilot and staff recommendation, the board approved a six‑year adoption of the TCI 6–12 social studies curriculum at an estimated six‑year cost of $280,195; some board members and parents objected that they had not been provided the instructional units for review, particularly units covering Middle East topics.
The Taylor School District board approved the adoption of the TCI social studies curriculum for grades 6–12 during its June 3 committee meeting despite objections from some members who said the curriculum had not been available for review before the vote.
A presenter representing the curriculum adoption team said teachers selected TCI after piloting materials. "Overwhelmingly they selected TCI as their choice," the presenter said, describing teacher input and a competitive bid process. The district reported a six‑year implementation cost, including digital access and print materials, of about $280,195.
Several board members and parents asked for the specific units that had prompted controversy in other districts, particularly materials covering the Middle East. One board member said she had received emails raising concerns and that she wanted the ability to review units before a multi‑year commitment.
The administration said teachers and a regional social studies consultant had vetted the materials and that some review materials could be provided to trustees, but that the full purchasing timeline and training schedule were a factor in recommending the six‑year agreement. A trustee stated they planned to vote no because they had not seen the curriculum before the action despite the presenter’s assurances that the committee process had involved teachers and consultants.
Motion and vote: The board moved to approve the TCI adoption; the motion carried on the board vote recorded in the minutes (transcript records the motion being approved — recorded as passing '61' in the transcript roll call).
Next steps: The district will implement adoption work and professional development with coaches and teachers; trustees asked administration to provide sample units to the board and to respond to parent concerns if specific content areas are questioned.
