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Gresham-Barlow board hears first read on proposed K–8 social science adoption
Summary
District staff presented a first reading of proposed K–8 social science materials after a collaborative pilot with 38 educators; K–2 lessons met OR-IMET criteria and students gave uniformly positive feedback, while teachers favored TCI at middle grades.
The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors received a first reading April 23 of a recommended K–8 social science curriculum, district staff said. Dr. Tim Collins and Heidi Lasher told the board the adoption process involved 38 educators across positions and that the district deferred a high-school adoption until next year to focus on implementing Senate Bill 3 requirements.
Lasher said the K–2 review used the Oregon Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool (OR-IMET) and that the district’s existing literacy curriculum (Wonders and Maravillas) meets OR-IMET criteria for social science lessons. She told the board lessons were piloted and staff conducted student interviews: “100% of students interviewed gave positive feelings about their experience,” Lasher said. The adoption team used student and family feedback to curate picture books and lesson plans for early grades.
For grades 3–5 the team recommended Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) and Social Studies Alive!, noting both offer Spanish-language options. Collins said middle-school pilots favored TCI and Traverse but that teachers were adamant the TCI workbook is the core of instruction; without the workbook teachers said they would not want the platform alone. Staff emphasized critical inquiry, representation of students in materials, and alignment to updated state social science standards as selection priorities.
The item was presented as a first read; staff will return with a formal recommendation and any final materials for a future meeting. Board members asked staff to continue community engagement as the process moves from pilot to adoption.
