Board adopts TCI materials for secondary social studies, postpones K–5 adoption for one year

The Woodburn School District board voted to adopt Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI) social studies materials for secondary grades and to postpone K–5 adoption for one year, following a staff presentation on the state adoption process, pilot feedback and cost estimates.

Nicole Pete presented the adoption process and a K–12 review timeline, explaining districts generally start with the Oregon Department of Education state list of reviewed materials, pilot two options in classrooms and then recommend a vendor for purchase and implementation training. Pete told the board that the district’s 6–12 teams favored TCI for readability, depth over breadth, accessibility supports and Spanish-language availability at upper grades.

Staff estimated an initial purchase quote for the recommended secondary materials (grades 6–12) of about $222,000; Pete said ongoing costs depend on content area and implementation choices. The board discussed community engagement efforts; staff said they held a community forum and displayed materials at conferences but received limited public feedback for this adoption cycle.

A motion was made and seconded to adopt TCI for grades 6–8 and grades 9–12 and to postpone K–5 social studies materials for one year. The board voted 5–0 in favor and the motion carried.

Board members asked follow-up questions about teacher input into selection, pilot sites (including Ballard and French Curry), training plans (during inservice and Mondays), and adherence to state IMAT criteria, noting the state rubric includes indicators such as standards alignment, assessment systems and culturally responsive supports. Staff said K–5 will return for full consideration next year to allow more classroom piloting and community engagement.