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Curriculum » Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Curriculum and Instructional Materials

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Textbook Adoption Process 

Instructional materials for PVPUSD students are selected by a committee of teachers in each instructional area. Each committee includes 

  • Representatives from each school level involved in the adoption 
  • Teachers in the content area of the adoption 

Teachers are first trained on any changes to subject matter frameworks and/or content standards prior to reviewing materials. Only materials recommended for adoption by the California Department of Education (or College Board in certain instances) are considered. Depending upon subject area, there are upwards of four to twelve publishers on the state approved list that the committee will screen to determine which should be considered for the piloting process. 

Committees examine materials for the specific criteria that includes 

  • Alignment of instructional materials with the state content standards 
  • Capacity of instructional materials to meet the educational needs of PVPUSD students 
  • Availability of materials/strategies to differentiate instruction for our learners (i.e., English Learners, Special Education, GATE, or high-achieving students) 
  • Digital materials that support instruction 

The committee may also consider the cost of a program and the funding available for the purchase of instructional materials. Publishers will work with district staff in the Educational Services Department, who organize the adoption committee and may not contact schools directly unless authorized by the district. 

 

Piloting of Instructional Materials Considered for Adoption 
Once options are narrowed down to two or three publishers, the committee of teachers will pilot materials with their classes for a designated amount of time. Following the implementation of all materials to be considered, the committee will review the strengths and weaknesses of each program and come to a consensus on which program to bring forward to the Board of Education for approval. 

 

Public Review of Instructional Materials Considered for Adoption 
Materials being considered for adoption are available for preview by the public. Notification regarding where and when materials can be previewed will be publicized by the district and can also be found below under the dropdown menu titled “Textbooks and Supplemental Materials Under Review.”   

 

Adoption of Instructional Materials 
Once the pilot committee decides which publisher’s materials best meet the needs of our staff and students in the designated content area and grade level(s), that recommendation is brought to the Board of Education for approval. Once approved, materials will be ordered, inventoried, and distributed to school sites. 
Current Adoptions can be found by school level below. 

 

Implementation of Instructional Materials 
Following the adoption of new instructional materials, teachers are provided initial and follow up training on the various components and implementation of a program. 

 

Funding of Instructional Materials 

Funding Source 

Approximate amount per year 

Lottery* 

$500K 

Parcel (math and science) 

$400K 

One time funding 

Dependent on the grant or funding 

 

*These funds may be used to fund curriculum but are used to fund many other things for students and teachers throughout the year (technology, annual purchases of workbooks, software, hands on materials, etc.)