[MOSAIC] Adopting new materials k-12

[Humerickhouse, Elizabeth]

Two years ago our district adopted the H-M (2005 ed.) for elementaries.  I think it's about as balanced and "complete" as you can expect a series to be.  The company provided the connections from their instruction to our state standards.
 
Most importantly, we purchased the leveled readers for guided reading.  They reinforce the strategy and the theme, as well as providing a resource for small group work.
 
We think it's weak in spelling and grammar.  We supplement.
 
I know what you mean about a rapidly growing district (suburban MN) and keeping everyone on the same page.  Our experience is that you can provide the anthology and the TM, but what the teachers DO with it is the question.  So will spending the $$$$ guarantee that?  No.  (Unless you have a very "present" administration or some accountability built in ...or "big brother" watching.)
 
A neighboring district (much larger than us) spent all of their money on classroom libraries instead of a new series.  But they seem to be about a decade farther than us in staff development based on F&P, Keene, Harvey, Miller, etc.
 
Just some thoughts...
 
 

 
 
 
 
Hey Everyone,
Our district is on schedule to ³adopt² new K-12 Language Arts texts.  We are
hoping to buy the ³complete package² to meet all of the state/district
standards and benchmarks, PLUS allow for lots of differentiation.  Of
course, we will look at Glencoe, Houghton-Mifflin, Great Source, etc.  We
will pay close attention to the new 6-12 McDougal Little offering due out
soon.  We are already torn between wanting consistency in instruction and
assessment AND the BIG BUCKS involved in buying a huge anthology and all of
the bells and whistles that teachers may or may not use.  I am sure that
many of you have been through the adoption recently, and I would love to
hear your thoughts on the subject.  As we are rapidly growing district, it
is very hard to keep everyone on the same page/have enough materials, and
that fact carries weight in our decision making process.  THANKS, Joanie in
Iowa.