Committee approves 6–8 social studies pilot at Kennedy Middle School

On Aug. 4, 2026, the Germantown Teaching & Learning Committee approved a positive recommendation to the full board to pilot Savvas social studies materials with 6–8 classes at Kennedy Middle School.

Curriculum staff described that social studies teachers reviewed several options and recommended Savvas for its tasks, student engagement and online platform. "They had the most interest in, both piloting and thought in terms of the way it delivers content and skills to students," Mysiak said, summarizing the team's view.

The pilot plan is structured around Savvas' standard offering of a 12‑week pilot that permits the district to examine the entire resource while implementing a time-limited classroom trial; the district will collect teacher evaluation rubrics and student feedback to inform any future adoption. Mysiak said if the pilot results are inconclusive, the district can work with the vendor to extend the pilot period or try alternative implementation strategies so teachers with only one social studies section receive needed support.

Committee members asked about continuity for classes that did not pilot the material and whether the Savvas platform would create gaps relative to existing literacy supports such as StudySync and Wonders. Mysiak said the district expects many core practices to align because state standards guide instruction; staff will monitor for gaps and use rubrics and focus groups to check student learning.

The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote; the full board will next consider the pilot plan.