Curriculum Adoption Process

“A growing and compelling research base suggests that high-quality instructional materials can yield improvements in student learning outcomes equal to or greater than many interventions that are often more costly.  (High-quality instructional materials) are about bringing equity to the district - a shared experience creating a floor, but not a ceiling, around the teaching and learning that happens in our classrooms.” 

The Importance of High Quality Instructional Materials, Oregon Department of Education, Spring 2023.

Curriculum Adoption Process

A curriculum adoption is the formal process by which instructional materials are selected and approved for use in public schools.

According to Section 1 of the Oregon Administrative Rules (581-022-2355 Division 22), every school district is required to select and provide students with free, appropriate instructional and resource materials for each program and course in grades K-12. This process operates on a seven-year cycle, as established by the State Board of Education, to ensure materials are current and aligned with educational standards. The chosen materials must reflect recent knowledge, trends, and technology in the field, contributing to the goals for each program, course, and grade level.

In addition to meeting Oregon Department of Education requirements, the North Clackamas School District's adoption process ensures alignment with our Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision. Throughout this process, input is gathered from parents, students, and educators. The adoption process typically includes the following steps:

• NCSD staff reviews the new Oregon standards for the content area.
• Students provide feedback on their experiences in the subject area.
• The Oregon Department of Education releases a list of approved materials, which are then reviewed by staff.
• A selection committee, comprising specialists from ELD and special education, classroom teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, and board members, is established.
• The selection committee creates a local scoring rubric that is aligned with the goals, values, and programming needs.
• Curriculum providers present to the committee, and materials are selected for a pilot.
• The curricula selected for the pilot are presented for review to the community.
• The materials are piloted in multiple classrooms.
• All piloting teachers use the local scoring rubric to analyze the materials.
• Students provide feedback about their experience.
• Teacher focus groups discuss data related to student performance, experience, and implementation. 
• Community feedback is gathered through surveys, focus groups and/or interviews.
• Materials are selected and presented to the School Board for approval.