SEARCHSee Dr. Sonal Patel, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, present the scope of work for the monumental adoption process, and what this means for SLUSD students. Slides only available here.
At the most recent Board of Education meeting, the trustees unanimously approved the adoption of new curriculum for three major content areas:
- History/Social Science (TK-12 grade)
- Science (TK-12 grade)
- World Language (6-12)
Stemming from a need for curriculum with digital access to more effectively support distance learning during the pandemic, the district saw a unique opportunity to use special one-time COVID-19 emergency funding from the state to update aging textbooks and learning materials. “We have been waiting for such a long time for curriculum funds, which did not seem likely to come with current budget landscapes in public education,” said Joanne Clark, Senior Director of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Equity, “This funding source became the perfect opportunity to get new, relevant materials into the hands our students and teachers.”
Relevancy is a hallmark of all three adoptions. The new Science curriculum is now aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that were designed to better prepare students for 21st-century careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The new History/Social Studies curriculum is now tied to the Common Core Content Standards and Framework, and better reflects inclusive, diverse historical perspectives, which has been a key focus for the district. The new World Language curriculum brings a variety of engaging resources and tools that had been unavailable previously.
“Incorporating local expertise alongside community and student feedback, the adoption committees’ final recommendations reflect massive advancements for teaching and learning in San Leandro Unified School District,” said Dr. Sonal Patel, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, “On behalf of the district, I cannot thank our teachers, district support staff, and administrators enough for their willingness to engage in this complex process during a highly demanding time.”
Adopting a single curriculum under normal circumstances is logistically challenging. Undertaking three simultaneous adoptions with school facilities currently closed required monumental collaboration from the group of teachers and administrators who participated in the adoption committee. The group established multi-tiered evaluation rubrics, then piloted materials starting in August in order to make a thoroughly researched recommendation to the school board. “Our educators were not only navigating distance learning and coping with the pandemic themselves,” said Clark, “But they also engaged deeply in the adoption process in order to select the best materials that align with state learning standards, support research-based, powerful instructional practices, and elevate the values and goals of the SLUSD graduate profile. Not only do we have new adoptions, but we also have a roadmap for our next steps to ensure quality collaboration and implementation.”
For more information about all curriculum materials selected and the review process, go to the adoptions area at www.slusd.us.
About the San Leandro Unified School District
The San Leandro Unified School District operates a comprehensive TK-12 program and an adult school at 14 campuses throughout San Leandro. The district educates its students by utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative teaching strategies to help students achieve academic excellence and become collaborative and competitive in a global society. For more information, visit www.slusd.us