Murrieta Valley board approves world-language and AP English textbook adoptions after heated public comment

The Murrieta Valley Unified School District’s governing board late Thursday approved new world‑language and Advanced Placement English textbooks after extended public comment that sharply divided parents and teachers.

The vote on agenda item G20 adopted world‑language materials for grades 9–12 and approved two AP texts for AP Literature & Composition and AP Language & Composition in a closely contested decision. Trustees debated whether the district should delay approval until teachers supply explicit scope‑and‑sequence documents; several members urged that teachers publish syllabi so families know which selections will be taught.

Why it matters: The adopted textbooks will shape instruction in AP courses that many students take for college credit. Opponents said the anthologies contain overly contemporary and politically framed essays and lack enough ‘‘classics,’’ while supporters — including AP teachers and parents who served on the selection committee — said the texts align with College Board skill standards and provide scaffolding for the AP exams.

“These particular books do teach important literary elements but by smuggling in … partisan Marxism under the guise of writing samples,” said Pam Barrett, a former Murrieta teacher, urging the board to pause adoption and seek different texts. “I urge you not to adopt these two books and pause until further investigation is done.”

Teachers who participated in the curriculum process pushed back. Emily Masashi, an AP instructor at Murrieta Valley High School, said the anthology supports essential writing skills and “provides scaffolding for each type of essay” students must write on the AP exam. Julie Inway, an AP teacher and district volunteer, described the adoption as the result of a collaborative review involving parents and teachers and said the materials follow AP/College Board guidelines.

Trustees and staff noted two practical constraints: AP courses must prepare students for College Board assessments and many AP teachers rely on a mix of core texts and paperbacks in addition to anthologies. During debate Board members said they wanted teachers to supply course syllabi and scope‑and‑sequence documents so parents can see which selections will be used and how alternatives will be handled.

The board’s discussion also covered procurement timelines; administrators said the district has been preparing ordering schedules and that delaying adoption could risk textbook availability for the start of the school year.

What the board decided: After discussion and motions on how and when to finalize selections, trustees approved the proposed curriculum items with the understanding teachers will provide syllabi or course scope documents for board review and parent information. The district’s presentation later in the meeting noted digital access will be available for all adopted textbooks and that hard‑copy opt‑out procedures are in place.

Next steps: District staff said they will finalize ordering and work with AP teachers to publish syllabi and scope‑and‑sequence plans ahead of the fall term. The administration also reported a separate update on middle‑school textbook inventory and replacement costs.

Provenance: Topic appears in public comment and board discussion beginning with public commenters on G20 (SEG 711) and continuing through the board action on curriculum adoption (SEG 4302–SEG 4891).