Committee recommends Savvas' My Perspectives for grades 6–8 ELA, plans Board action on May 26

Chrissy Steinhaus presented the curriculum team’s recommendation that the district adopt Savvas’ My Perspectives for grades 6–8 English language arts, telling the committee that 75.9% of surveyed staff identified My Perspectives as the stronger fit for the district’s goals.

Steinhaus described a multi‑month selection process that used an evaluation rubric, EdReports reviews, RFIs and site visits to nearby districts. “75.9% of the staff overall feels that the My Perspectives is a stronger fit for our district,” Steinhaus said, summarizing the consultation results.

Why it matters: District staff emphasized alignment to the science of reading, coherence across grades and embedded supports for multilingual and special‑education learners. The team said high‑quality instructional materials can accelerate teacher effectiveness, support consistency across classrooms and raise student outcomes when implemented with fidelity.

Implementation and costs: Downs explained a three‑year implementation plan (year 1: orientation and unit planning; year 2: deeper implementation; year 3: fidelity and refinement) and preliminary cost estimates tied to consumable novels and professional development. Staff told the committee the recommended timeline is to present the purchase to the Board on May 26, with a target purchase date of July 1 if the Board approves.

Questions from board members addressed contract length, whether consumable materials are required annually, and digital vs. print availability; staff said Savvas offers both digital and print materials, optional complimentary novels under multi‑year contracts, and on‑site expert support for teachers.