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K-5 ELA Adoption Committee

K - 5 ELA Adoption Committee

Purpose

The purpose of the elementary English Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials textbook adoption committee is to review, evaluate, and recommend quality and appropriate textbooks and instructional resources for approval by the district Governing Board.

Public Review of Materials

Location: Laguna Elementary School
Address: 10475 E. Lakeview Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85258 
Dates: Monday, August 21, 2023 – Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. SUSD school days

Phase III Review Meetings:

  • Monday, Oct. 30 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Laguna Elementary 
  • Monday, Nov. 13 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Laguna Elementary
  • Monday, Nov. 27 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Laguna Elementary
  • Monday, Dec. 11 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Laguna Elementary

Additional Information: Extended hours and access during non-school days is available upon request with advanced notice. Please contact Dede Johnston, dianejohnston@susd.org.

Objective

The committee will:

  • Learn about current best practices in literacy instruction in numerous areas, including science of reading, structured literacy, reading, writing, phonics, phonemic awareness, morphology, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, grammar, oral language, and spelling to build a foundation of literacy knowledge.  
  • Learn about Arizona laws and standards that affect literacy instruction and resources.  
  • Analyze literacy data to help determine strengths and gap areas in instruction and learning.  
  • Develop rubric criteria to be used to evaluate literacy textbooks and resources. 
  • Review, evaluate, and discuss textbooks and resources submitted by vendors. 
  • Recommend textbook and literacy resources to the Governing Board for formal approval and adoption. 

Requirements

  • Actively participate and attend all meetings. 
    • Meetings will be held in Room 500, Laguna Elementary School, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. 
      • August 23, 2023
      • August 29, 2023
      • September 5, 2023
      • September 11, 2023
      • September 18, 2023  
      • September 27, 2023  
    • Vendor Presentations will be held at the Mohave District Annex | Time TBD  
      • October 2, 2023
      • October 3, 2023  
      • October 4, 2023  
  • Review committee agenda, articles, and other assigned materials prior to meeting in preparation for meeting discussions.  
  • Complete a conflict-of-interest form and adhere to the norms established for the committee work.
  • Be willing to participate as an unpaid volunteer.

The process for textbook and instructional material adoption is important for teachers, students, and parents. In accordance with Arizona statute, Policy 15-721, SUSD follows a structured process for curriculum review and recommendation for adoption by the Governing Board. Participation by various stakeholders is vital to the process.

Committee Members

K-5 ELA Adoption Subcommittee
Review of Tier 2 and 3 Intervention Materials

Julie Ballard
Jennifer Bethke
Candy Block
Lindsey Denny
Alison Ellis
Jennifer Fox
Beth Greene
Kaia Hart
Mickaela Leopold 
Amber Lindsey
Briana Reed
Linda Tardie
Michelle Woulfe

Kindergarten

Magdalin Leonardo, Arcadia Learning Complex

Liz Gardemann, Saguaro Learning Complex

Jennifer Bethke, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Raquel Thomas, Saguaro Learning Complex

Alison Ellis, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

First Grade

Patty Malley, Chaparral Learning Complex

Meghan Tipton, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Kendall Regan, Coronado Learning Complex

Sheena Byerley, Chaparral Learning Complex

Briana Reed, Coronado Learning Complex

Second Grade

Lindsey Denny, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Brianna Maxwell, Coronado Learning Complex

Jennifer Fox, Arcadia Learning Complex

Cherie Kujawa, Chaparral Learning Complex

Beth Greene, Arcadia Learning Complex

Third Grade

Amber Lindsey, Chaparral Learning Complex

Nichole Viderman, Chaparral Learning Complex

Katie Honeycutt, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Amanda Chilcher, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Pat Collofello, Saguaro Learning Complex

Candy Bloch, Saguaro Learning Complex

Fourth Grade

Nicole Hamilton, Chaparral Learning Complex

Cathy Skinner, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Fifth Grade

Lori Soble, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Samantha Janka, Chaparral Learning Complex

Remi Braca, Chaparral Learning Complex

Colleen Harrison, Saguaro Learning Complex

Principals

Julie Ballard, Arcadia Learning Complex

Christopher Hodo, Coronado Learning Complex

Parents

Briana Gillette, Chaparral Learning Complex

Kate Russo, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Mahlaima Boemark, Desert Mountain Learning Complex

Reading Specialists

Linda Tardie, Coronado Learning Complex

Mickaela Leopold, Saguaro Learning Complex

Michelle Woulfe, Coronado Learning Complex

Special Education

Keri Katz, Chaparral Learning Complex

Jesse Torres, Arcadia Learning Complex

English Language Department

Kaia Hart, Arcadia Learning Complex

District

Kim Dodds Keran, Director of Teaching & Learning

Diane Murphy, PK-5 ELA Curriculum Coach

Diane Johnston,  Instructional Materials Specialist