Instructional Materials Adoption Recommendation - View 5/7/26-5/20/26

Background

Two years ago, BUSD adopted Magnetic Foundations, Magnetic Reading, Ready Reading and Writing. The publisher has since developed an integrated English Language Arts curriculum for grades K-5, now titled Magnetic Literacy.

Process

A primary interest of this review was to provide our teachers and students with a continued, well-aligned, and better streamlined ELA program. For this reason, we chose to pilot the updated program, Magnetic Literacy. Prior to launching the pilot program,  Kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers across BUSD elementary sites were selected to participate. Before program implementation, teachers participated in dedicated professional development sessions for the curriculum. Ongoing support from the publisher ensured teachers felt confident and equipped throughout the pilot. At the conclusion of the pilot, teachers were asked for their recommendation based on text quality and rigor, standards alignment, instructional strategies, teacher and student usability, building knowledge, and assessment supports. A recommendation was made based on the established criteria.

Public Engagement

To foster transparency and collaboration, the BUSD School Board established an Instructional Materials Adoption Committee (IMAC) on September 20th, 2023. This committee, composed of teachers, parents, and community members who provided input during our initial ELA pilot in the 23/24 school year, agreed to reconvene as a part of the continued ELA adoption process. Two meetings were held between December 2025 and April 2026. During these meetings, the pilot program rubric was reviewed, teacher representatives shared their experiences and insights, and answered questions from committee members.

Recommendation

After reviewing the input of pilot program teachers and the Instructional Materials Adoption Committee (IMAC), the recommendation to the Board of Trustees is the adoption of Magnetic Literacy.

Next Steps

The recommended materials will be available for public review and comment at the District Office starting May 7, 2026. The District will present the recommendation for official adoption during the Board Meeting on May 20, 2026. The public comment period will conclude at 4:00 PM on May 20, 2026.