Standard-aligned instructional materials are critical tools for classroom learning. In the hands of our skilled teachers, such materials move a student through mastery of fundamental concepts to application and deeper thinking.

General Information 

• State learning standards

How does the Instructional Materials adoption process work?

The process is defined by law and District policy. The adoption committee reviews state standards and best current research to develop a scope and sequence and common assessments, and then invites publishers to submit materials which they thoroughly analyze against their established criteria.

Materials undergo an intensive, evidence-based review process that usually includes student field testing, expert panels, and comparison of lessons and alignment across grade levels/course. Once the selection is narrowed to two or three programs, Clover Park parents and community members are invited to preview the materials. Next, the committee selects its top choice and makes a recommendation to the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC). The IMC evaluates the recommended materials to ensure they comply with state law and district policy (no bias or prejudice, for example), that the teacher committee followed its process, and that the content is appropriate for the students’ age level. The IMC’s recommendation and public comments then go to the Clover Park School Board, which has the option to approve the adoption. If not approved, the District retains the current curriculum until the adoption process can repeat itself.

What is the Instructional Materials Committee (IMC) and who is on it?

The IMC is legally required by the state and is the only body that can send a curriculum recommendation to the School Board. The IMC does not evaluate materials to determine the merits or comparison of their instructional content. It is comprised of 12 voting members. Up to two community members are on the committee from the district. The remainder of the committee is comprised of librarians, special education teachers, core content teachers, and district administrators. If you would like to volunteer for the IMC, please contact Teaching and Learning at 253-583-5140.

How important is the "right textbook"?

Instructional materials are one important piece of student learning. The best materials align with state learning standards and support research-based, powerful instructional practices. With such effective tools, a master teacher, the most important education factor in a child’s learning, will be able to spend more time on delivery and differentiation than if s/he had to also create supplemental lesson plans to fill the gaps in curriculum and materials.