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Preston committee opens Social Studies review, flags stronger geography emphasis
Summary
The Preston School District Curriculum Committee said Feb. 28 it will review the Social Studies curriculum originally adopted in 2015 to align with new state guidelines and considers adding a greater focus on geography; the committee also discussed pacing guides and teacher professional learning to support new literacy and math programs.
The Preston School District Curriculum Committee said Feb. 28 it has begun an exploratory review of the district’s Social Studies curriculum, which was implemented in 2015, to bring instruction into alignment with newer state guidelines and to place greater emphasis on geography.
Committee members noted the review is at an early stage and will consider changes across the system rather than limited updates. The minutes say the state’s newer guidelines will guide revisions and that the committee is prioritizing geography as one area for deeper attention.
Members also described a recent interdistrict collaboration with North Stonington. Teachers from both districts, particularly those teaching grades 1 and 3, exchanged successful practices around the Into Reading literacy series the districts now use. Committee members said the exchanges highlighted differences between small and large districts in personnel and support and that sharing practices had been “successful.”
To support curriculum changes, the committee discussed developing pacing guides so teachers can balance depth of student mastery with coverage of required standards across the year. The guides are intended to help teachers adjust to new literacy and math programs while meeting student needs.
The minutes also record that staff involved in earning NAEYC accreditation for the preschool program will be recognized at the Board of Education meeting on March 10, 2025.
The committee did not set specific revision deadlines in the minutes; members said they will review state guidance and make needed adjustments to the district’s Social Studies materials as that process proceeds.
