Board adopts new K–12 social studies curriculum after teacher presentations

Milton-Freewater Unified SD 7’s board voted to adopt a new social studies curriculum for grades 4 through 12 following presentations from elementary, middle and high school teachers.

Christina Brown, vice principal at the high school, introduced teachers who described pilot work and classroom response. Elementary teacher Tracy Ritz recommended a consumable, bilingual fourth- and fifth-grade program, saying it is “teacher friendly and student friendly” and that students were excited by features such as colorful maps and a glossary. Ritz said one student told her, “I wish I had this book all year long.”

Middle school teacher Scott Griff described a yearlong pilot that began in December and praised the platform’s Spanish-language content, two adjustable English-lexicon levels and built-in graphic organizers. High-school teachers, including Braden, said the vendor’s modular approach let them combine publisher lessons with teacher-created assignments and that the TCI government text better fit a semester schedule than their previous McGraw-Hill option.

Board members asked about durability and consumable use; presenters said the elementary materials are consumables intended for students to write in and take home, while digital tools provide adaptive supports and printable paper-pencil options for students who prefer or need them. Pricing questions were answered as a negotiated state-contract price through Northwest Textbook.

A motion to adopt the recommended materials was moved, seconded and approved by the board.