CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A proposed English Language Arts learning resource for grades 6-12 is now available for public review in advance of potential adoption by the Albemarle County School Board.

At its Jan. 8 meeting, the School Board received a recommendation to adopt HMH: Into Literature as the core English Language Arts curriculum resource for students in grades 6-12.

The Board approved in its consent agenda make the curriculum available for public comment over a 30-day period.

A County schools release said, “In accordance with School Board Policy IIAA, Learning Resources/Textbook Selection and Adoption, sample materials will be displayed for a minimum of 30 days prior to Board action.”

This curriculum was chosen, according to a presentation to the School Board, after study by a 37-member advisory board that included 16 teachers, 6 reading specialists, and 4 English Language specialists.

Some of the factors the committee liked about HMH is a “vertical alignment” where “students and caregivers will be familiar with a uniform platform middle through high school”.

They were also attracted by what the program calls “scaffolding” which is according to the HMH website “in-text assistance for multilingual learners in each lesson, including extra vocabulary, cultural context points, writing stems, grammar practice, and peer-coaching videos”.

Committee members were also looking for “variety of materials and diverse literature selections”.

HMH’s stated offerings are what they call “impactful texts” where “all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, will see themselves reflected in our texts”.

The county schools’ public review notification said, “Because the proposed resource includes both physical textbooks and consumable materials, as well as digital components, community members are encouraged to review the materials in person to fully understand the scope and design of the program.”

“Printed sample materials are available for public viewing on the third floor of the Albemarle County Office Building, located at 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. Materials may be reviewed between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on school holidays. Community members should check in with the third-floor receptionist upon arrival.”

“Following the review period, staff will consider any feedback received and make recommendations for action and/or adoption at a future School Board meeting,” the release concluded.

The last 6-through-12 grade curriculum adoption, according to Albemarle Schools, was in 2007.