This recommendation from the Elementary K-6 English Language Arts Selection Committee is the result of an extensive review of the available programs and input from K-6 teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, parents and community members. After the review of the available materials, the committee recommends that the Board approve this expenditure to ensure all classrooms have high quality, standards-aligned curriculum to support strong English Language Arts instruction.

The materials listed on the attachment align with Florida’s new B.E.S.T. Standards for English Language Arts. In order to ensure a transparent process, materials were made available for public viewing on January 13, 2021, from 1:00-7:00 PM in the ESF Training Rooms. Additionally, parents and community members had opportunities to review materials and provide input through a digital platform advertised on the BPS website from November 16-30, 2020. Proposed costs are based on current enrollment and may need to be adjusted to match actual student enrollment for 2021-2022.

If approved, as per 1006.28 FL Statute (2017), all instructional materials will also be digitally available for the 30-day public review process. Information regarding how to access these materials will be provided to parents and county residents through a banner on the BPS homepage, BPS social media, a flyer through Peachjar and an email to every parent through Edline. Schools will be provided implementation components for teachers of the courses listed on the attachment.

This may result in an additional review of materials as per FL Statutes 1006.31(2) and 1006.40(3)(d). Parents of a public school student or residents of the county will have an opportunity to contest the approved selections during the 30-day public review period on a form provided by the School Board. The petition form can be found on the BPS website. Within 30 days after the 30-day period has expired, the school board must, for all petitions timely received, conduct at least one open public hearing before an unbiased and qualified hearing officer. The hearing officer may not be an employee or agent of the school district. The hearing is not subject to the provisions of chapter 120; however, the hearing must provide sufficient procedural protections to allow each petitioner an adequate and fair opportunity to be heard and present evidence to the hearing officer. The school board’s decision after convening a hearing is final and not subject to further petition or review.For more information regarding 1006.28, Fla. Stat. (2017), please visit, https://goo.gl/s9vbvR.

Hold a Public Hearing and Approve the Elementary ELA Instructional Materials Adoption.