District committee recommends TCI Social Studies Alive as K–5 resource for board review

Morgan, the district presenter on the K–5 social studies adoption process, told the board a district curriculum committee of 17 elementary representatives had screened four resources and reached consensus that ‘‘one resource immediately rose to the top… and that front runner was TCI.’’ Morgan said the committee used a rubric aligned to the C3 national framework, Kansas standards and the district’s mastery 10 expectations to guide its review.

Two teacher leaders who piloted the materials reported positive classroom results. Adrienne said her students received class sets and engaged with both print and online components, adding, "My kids can get on the online component as well if I enter them…My kids have been so excited to use it." Kreminga said the committee's recommendation, TCI Social Studies Alive, offered hands-on lessons, cross-curricular connections and a primary-source library that supported diverse learners and critical-thinking skills.

Morgan outlined next steps pending board consideration: early digital access for teachers this spring, K–5 print materials touring buildings, optional deep-dive sessions on April 3, prioritized fall training, and a requested four-year adoption phase with full implementation targeted for August 2026. Board members asked whether the listed cost covered all four years (Morgan: "It is.") and whether the materials included testing items (Morgan: "Yes. They do."). The presentation concluded and the board indicated the materials review would move forward within the district's adoption cycle.