District recommends Frog Street kit for Transitional Kindergarten after pilot; public review scheduled
April 21, 2026 | Simi Valley Unified, School Districts, California
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District curriculum staff presented the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) adoption process and recommended the Frog Street curriculum kit following a pilot of two publisher products.
Dr. J. April Jacobson and TK coordinator Erin Mahoney described a multi‑step process: publisher presentations, teacher pilot units, staff feedback via surveys, and a district review. Two kits were piloted: Benchmark (Ready to Advance) and Frog Street. Teachers who piloted both options voted overwhelmingly (95%) to recommend Frog Street for district adoption, citing its play‑based structure, integrated social‑emotional routines and differentiations that matched the district’s TK vision.
Staff outlined an implementation plan that includes publisher trainings in August, PLC meetings during the coming year, pacing guides and assessments tied to the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations, and a two‑year roll‑out to ensure fidelity and teacher capacity.
A public viewing of the recommended materials is scheduled for May 14 (district office) ahead of a May board action item for formal adoption. Trustees asked questions about science units from the non‑selected publisher and about ensuring kits do not sit unused; staff said implementation time and PLC supports are designed to prevent unused materials.
District staff emphasized the pilot‑based teacher input and that the recommendation reflects TK teacher consensus.
Dr. J. April Jacobson and TK coordinator Erin Mahoney described a multi‑step process: publisher presentations, teacher pilot units, staff feedback via surveys, and a district review. Two kits were piloted: Benchmark (Ready to Advance) and Frog Street. Teachers who piloted both options voted overwhelmingly (95%) to recommend Frog Street for district adoption, citing its play‑based structure, integrated social‑emotional routines and differentiations that matched the district’s TK vision.
Staff outlined an implementation plan that includes publisher trainings in August, PLC meetings during the coming year, pacing guides and assessments tied to the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations, and a two‑year roll‑out to ensure fidelity and teacher capacity.
A public viewing of the recommended materials is scheduled for May 14 (district office) ahead of a May board action item for formal adoption. Trustees asked questions about science units from the non‑selected publisher and about ensuring kits do not sit unused; staff said implementation time and PLC supports are designed to prevent unused materials.
District staff emphasized the pilot‑based teacher input and that the recommendation reflects TK teacher consensus.
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