• Frequently Asked Questions regarding the 2023-2024 SBSD History-Social Science Instructional Materials Adoption

    What is curriculum?

    Board Policy 6141 defines curriculum as the content objectives adopted by the Board which are to be taught in all district schools for each subject area and grade level, and includes the resources, methods, and assessments needed for student success with content standards.

    Where can I find information on the district’s adopted curriculum?

    A list of the district’s adopted curriculum is available here: https://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us/Page/1311 

    Can a parent review the curriculum used in their child’s class(es)?

    Education Code 51101 states that parents have the right to examine the curriculum materials of the class(es) in which their child is enrolled. If interested, parents should work with their teacher or principal to schedule a time to review the adopted curriculum used in class.

    Why does SBSD need new K-6 History-Social Science instructional materials?

    CA Education Code 60119 requires sufficient textbooks or instructional materials in every classroom and guides the instructional materials/textbook selection process.

    SBSD’s current HSS adoption is no longer reprinting materials, and a current, updated program is due to be selected.

    New materials will:

    • Align to the History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools (see first bullet under ‘Additional resources at the end of this message to access the Standards) 

    • Align to the California History-Social Science Framework (see first bullet under ‘Additional resources at the end of this message to access the Framework) 

    • Facilitate the integration of digital tools as part of the History-Social Science

    • Allow teachers to better meet the needs of all SBSD students

    • Allow better alignment of instruction across grade levels

    How were the History–Social Science pilot instructional materials chosen?

    A SBSD pilot task force of classroom teachers, education specialists, and administrators met in August and September. The task force used the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) History-Social Science Adoption Toolkit (see second bullet under ‘Additional resources’ at the end of this message to access the toolkit) to evaluate History-Social Science materials adopted by the California State Board of Education (see third bullet under ‘Additional resources’ at the end of this message for more information on History-Social Science programs adopted by the State Board of Education).

    From that work, three programs were chosen to pilot:

    • McGraw-Hill School Education: Impact: California Social Studies (K-5)

    • Savvas California History-Social Science: myWorld Interactive (K-5)

    • Savvas California History-Social Science: myWorld Interactive (6)

    • Teachers’ Curriculum Institute: Social Studies Alive! California Series (6)

    Is the district required to use inclusive history and social studies curriculum materials?

    Yes. The FAIR Education Act went into effect on January 1, 2012. It amended the Education Code to also include Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful references to contributions by people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community in history and social studies curriculum. In addition, California Education Code’s Social Content statute requires that instructional materials:

    • Portray accurately and equitably the cultural and racial diversity of American society

    • Demonstrate the contribution of minority groups and males and females to the development of California and the U.S.

    • Emphasize people in varied, positive, and contributing roles in order to influence students’ school experiences constructively

    • Not contain inappropriate references to commercial brand names, products, and corporate or company logos

    More information is available here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/senatebill48faq.asp 

    How will I know if my child’s teacher is piloting History–Social Science instructional materials this year? When will the pilot actually begin?

    If your child’s teacher is piloting, you received communication from them in early October, 2023. 

    How will teachers give input on the new instructional materials?

    Task force members will pilot each program for 6 - 8 weeks during the 2023-2024 school year.

    Piloting teachers are contributing to and receiving updates about the pilots. Throughout the year, piloting teachers, education specialists, and administrators will evaluate the piloted programs using the criteria in the History-Social Science Adoption Toolkit to decide upon a final recommendation for adoption.

    All SBSD teachers and staff will be able to review and give input and feedback on the piloted materials.

    How will students give input on the new instructional materials?

    Students in piloting classrooms will be given an opportunity to complete surveys evaluating each program. A subset of students will be invited to participate in focus groups to discuss their impressions of each program.

    How will families give input on the new instructional materials?

    In accordance with Board Policy and Ed Code, SBSD will provide families with an opportunity to examine and give feedback on the materials being piloted. In the spring of 2024, all SBSD families will be provided with login information to access and evaluate both programs under consideration. Families will also have an opportunity to access hard-copy materials by appointment. (5020 Board Policy Parent Rights and Responsibilities; 6161.1 Board Policy Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials)

    When does the School Board plan to formally adopt new instructional materials?

    The School Board will hear the recommendations at a May meeting, and a board topic for the adoption of new instructional materials will occur before the end of the school year.

    When will new materials be in classrooms?

    If board-approved, new materials will be in all classrooms for the start of the 2024-2025 school year, dependent upon funding, availability of materials, publisher edits, and other unforeseen circumstances.

    Will teachers receive Professional Learning in the new programs?

    Yes, SBSD is committed to providing professional learning for all teachers on the new instructional materials as an integral part of the rollout process.

    Where can I read the district’s policy/regulation on Parent Rights and Responsibilities?

    The board policy and administrative regulations on parent rights and responsibilities are available here:

    Can I opt my child out of instructional materials or content?

    Per the opt-out provision of the California Healthy Youth Act, parents/guardians may excuse their children from lessons on sexual health and development (i.e. Health and Puberty Education), which, in Solana Beach, is covered in 5th and 6th grade only. 

    There are no opt-out provisions for content outside of those areas. More information is available here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/he/cf/cahealthfaq.asp 

    Additional Resources