The Newberg School District Board of Directors adopted new language arts curriculum materials at its regular meeting in April. Funds from the 2011 school bond will provide $1.2 million to purchase materials.

On the surface, this textbook adoption is just another seven-year update of instructional materials for teaches and students.

But make no mistake. The process and materials adopted represent a significant departure from business as usual in the Newberg School District.

Typically a small committee of teachers gather with the Curriculum Director to review and evaluate state-approved materials prior to making a recommendation.

This language arts adoption was a yearlong, grass-roots effort. Fifteen Innovation Teams of teachers piloted programs and materials.  A 40-member adoption team examined goals, data, programs, staff and parent input. They consulted district strategic priorities and literacy plans, student achievement data, policy for academic achievement and Common Core State Standards authors’ criteria for publishers.

What did all that digging yield?  The “Matthew Effect.”

The “Matthew Effect” describes the gap in student achievement that widens when poor readers move through the grades. Data shows that early success in acquiring reading skills usually leads to later success as students move through the grades. But students who fall behind in reading struggle when they need to read to learn in later grades, increasing the gap between them and their peers.

To close that achievement gap, the adoption committee understood that all students should be reading by 3rd grade. As a result, materials and resources focused on K-5 grades.

There’s also a notable shift in how the curriculum will be delivered and how teachers will be supported.

The “textbook” adoption is not just about the books. The conversion to digital resources is a fundamental part of 21st Century teaching and learning. Digital curriculum materials, resources, apps and hardware are an integral part of the new language arts adoption. 

Students will each use iPads (K-2) or Chromebooks (3-8) daily as part of their language arts instruction. Secondary students in AVID and ELL programs will also receive a Chromebook for language arts and their other classes. Devices will be loaded with Google Apps and Schoology learning management systems. Read&Write accessibility software will offer support to students with learning difficulties.

It will take two years to shift to a new curriculum and integrate digital tools and content. A change of this magnitude requires ongoing, collaborative professional learning.  Four full days for professional learning are scheduled for the coming year. Teachers will continue to be supported throughout the year by instructional coaches and school professional development resources.

For details of the adopted Language Arts materials, digital conversion and profession learning, please visit: