Curriculum, Textbooks, Instructional Materials
Public Inspection of Recommended Materials
March 14, 2025 Notice:
Instructional materials recommended for adoption by the Sierra Sands Unified School District are available for public inspection:
Benchmark Advance* (2022) core English Language Arts for K-6th grades. Copyright and program update. Original adoption was 2017.
Edgenuity core (English, Math, Science, History) and electives for 7th-12th grades, High Desert School, Independent Study, and Credit Recovery
Project Lead the Way supplemental STEM curriculum for TK-5th Launch and 6th-8th Gateway
The materials may be viewed at the Textbook Depository located at 1327 North Norma Street,
Sierra Vista Education Center, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Contact Diane Pipkin, Textbook Technician, at 760-499-1728 or [email protected], for additional information.
The recommended textbooks/instructional materials reflect the results of a review process that involved teachers in a substantial manner and the presentation of materials to the District Instructional Materials Review Committee. The recommended publishers and programs are scheduled for consideration for adoption by the Sierra Sands Unified School District Board of Education at its regular meeting on April 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the Ridgecrest City Council Chambers.
The list of Sierra Sands Unified School District core adopted textbooks and instructional materials is available here: Instructional Materials Adoption List 2023-24
The selection, evaluation, and adoption process of textbooks and instructional materials is governed by Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 6161.1 Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials.
The California State Board of Education adopted new Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions in March of 2024. This document supports local districts throughout the instructional materials adoption process, including links to current legislation, sample timelines, support for student groups, and implementation considerations.
The process of selecting and implementing new instructional materials at the local level should be thoroughly planned, publicly conducted, and well documented. Districts are required to adhere to California Education Code Section 60002, which states the following: “Each district board shall provide for substantial teacher involvement in the selection of instructional materials and shall promote the involvement of parents and other members of the community in the selection of instructional materials.” A recommended practice is to ensure that the teachers participating in the selection process have experience and expertise in the target content area. In addition, educators with experience and expertise with English learner students, students with disabilities, advanced learners, parents, and other groups of students requiring specialized instruction should be included.