Frequently Asked Questions

When will we know more about the 6-8 & 9-12 Social Sciences adoptions for the 2023-24 school year?
A: The recommendations made by the 6-8 & 9-12 adoption committees will be shared at the June 13, 2023 School Board Meeting.

How might Black History 365 fit into our Oregon Social Sciences standards?
A: Here is a document that outlines 6-12 standards alignment with Black History 365 materials .

What curriculum, books and resources have teachers suggested?

A:  Here's a list of what has been submitted thus far as recommendations for this curriculum adoption.  Please continue to email suggestions to your TOSAs.

Will teachers be required to follow a prescribed curriculum with all teachers expecting to teach the same content  at the same time?  Will we be required to turn in our lesson plans in advanced?

A:  Teachers will have control over their day to day lessons, the curriculum we adopt is meant to set a framework for the units/standards that will be taught. We will encourage teachers to work together on unpacking units and internalizing lessons during cadre times to ease the use of new materials/existing materials, but there does not need to be common lessons. In addition, lesson plans will not be turned in ahead of time.

Why is there a rush on curriculum adoptions?  There might not be enough time to properly vet and select materials.  Additionally, the new standards may make finding resources challenging.  

A: We understand the timeframe for our social sciences adoptions is truncated, and that this, coupled with new ODE social sciences standards, it may be difficult to find, field test and adopt new materials by Fall 2023. The truncated timeline is a result of the need for new materials for our students and PPS’ lack of compliance with ODE Division 22 in regards to instructional material adoptions, which highlights that school districts will be on an established adoption schedule set by the State Board of Education. During the summer of 2021, PPS was put on a Division 22 Requirement for Instructional Materialscorrective action plan to meet the requirements of this aspect of Division 22. We appreciate all of the work you have put into these adoptions and ask for your continued support in moving this adoption process forward. 

How will the AIR Committee's evaluation rubrics get used?   

A: We will add up rubrics then process this final data with committee through consensus protocol 

Who identified the textbook companies that are on "the list" and could other options be brought into the discussion?
A: We put out a call requesting resource submissions through the Northwest Textbook Depository.  We received six submissions from companies offering a comprehensive curriculum.  We are asking all six to present. 

The Northwest Textbook Depository is a centralized hub for resources, textbooks, publishers, etc.  They have a contract with ODE that ensures that these resources are standards aligned.  All vendors will receive a copy of our Position Paper that clarifies our specific expectations and requirements.  

Why do we need a textbook?  Can we just use complimentary materials as the adoption?  How do we decide how these are classified?
A: We are seeking a comprehensive core resource that can serve as an anchor text that includes lessons, activities, scaffolding and assessments and is available both online and on paper.  

We are also looking at complimentary sources that provide additional depth, perspective and inquiry.  At the High School level, this will most likely be a set of instructional resources that includes a textbook along with other formats.  At the Middle School level, this is still being determined. 

For more information, please read Why Materials Matter.

Have you reached out to surrounding districts to compare processes?
A:  We are meeting and collaborating with the Beaverton School District TOSAs.  We are also working with other TOSAs through the Multnomah Education Service District.  Our Office of Teaching and Learning administrators meet bi-monthly with surround districts through the CIAC committee, which is hosted by the ESD.  Topics are focused on curriculum, including collaborating and sharing resources around curriculum adoptions.

How will students have a voice in this process?
A: Once the AIR Committee has selected the materials to field test, we will take those on a roadshow to different schools.  We will provide student friendly rubrics and encourage teachers to bring their classes as a lesson in civic participation.  Families and communities members will also be invited.   We welcome ideas and other suggestions for how to best gather student, family and community input. Additionally, students who participate in the Field Tests will all be asked to provide feedback.