Board adopts new high-school English curriculum after presentation and pilot

Presenter (S3) told the board the district had spent more than a year vetting high-school English curricula and concluded a single, foundational program would give teachers a consistent scope and sequence and a toolbox of instructional strategies. “We vetted a handful of curriculums that are common … most are homegrown, and they're all starting to go to a standard curriculum,” Presenter said, describing visits to peer districts and a pilot that has already begun.

Administrator and Director of Teaching and Learning (S6) explained the instructional team’s recommendation to pilot and then implement the curriculum to ensure alignment with local goals. Board members asked about teacher workload during the transition and whether the new program would require additional professional development. Presenter acknowledged the work ahead and said the team had planned training and supported teachers in pilot classrooms so that implementation would be gradual.

Board members also referenced site visits and external supports: S3 said the district consulted Menasha, Fox Valley Lutheran and CESA 6 when evaluating program pros and cons. A board member asked whether the recommendation had broad staff buy-in; Presenter said the ELA team provided feedback and that the materials include teacher-facing supports to reduce planning burden.

Following discussion, a motion to approve the high-school English curriculum was made and seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and approved the recommendation.

The board will move from pilot to phased implementation and monitor teacher feedback and student outcomes as the curriculum is put in place.