•  SBSD Curriculum and Instructional Materials

     

    What is curriculum?

    Board Policy 6141 defines curriculum as the content objectives adopted by the Board 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) their child is enrolled in. If interested, parents should work with their teacher or principal to schedule a time to review the adopted curriculum used in class.

    Frequently Asked Questions: 

    History-Social Science Curriculum Adoption (2024)

    Why did SBSD adopt 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. SBSDs previous HSS adoption no longer reprinted materials and a current updated program needed to be selected. The newly selected materials: 

    • 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 was the History-Social Science curriculum chosen?

    An SBSD pilot task force of classroom teachers, education specialists, and administrators convened during the 2023-24 school year to pilot curricula and brought forth recommendations to the Solana Beach School Board for approval. 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). 

    How did teachers, students, and families provide input on the adoption of new instructional materials?

    Task force members piloted several programs for 6–8 weeks during the 2023-24 school year. Throughout the year, piloting teachers, education specialists, and administrators evaluated 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 were given an opportunity to review and give input and feedback on the piloted materials. 

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

    In accordance with Board Policy and Ed Code, SBSD was able to provide families with an opportunity to examine and give feedback on the materials being piloted. In the spring of 2024, all SBSD families were provided with login information to access and evaluate both programs under consideration. Families had 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 will the History-Social Science curriculum be implemented?

    The new curriculum was board-approved in the Spring of 2024 and is being implemented across all school sites and grade levels during the 2024-25 school year. Teachers received professional learning on the new instructional materials as an integral part of the roll-out process. 

    Is the district required to use a History-Social Science curriculum that accurately portrays the cultural and racial diversity of our society?

    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 the History-Social Science curriculum. In addition, the 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: Frequently Asked Questions: Senate Bill 48

    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 those areas. More information is available here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/he/cf/cahealthfaq.asp

    Additional Resources