A graphic with red swirls in the corners and textbooks at the bottom reads, in bold font, "Textbook Adoption" in the middle. It contains a subtitle that reads "and invitation to review for parents, caregivers, and community stakeholders."

K-5 Language Arts Textbook Adoption

Instructional Services Team

December 21, 2023

In accordance with school board policy IIAA - Textbook Selection, Adoption, and Purchase and the Virginia Literacy Act, Colonial Heights Public Schools is currently reviewing materials for adoption and use in K-5 language arts classes.  Division literacy staff reviewed materials approved for use by the Virginia Department of Education and a division Reading Committee has met with representatives from select publishers.  After seeking feedback from administration, the Reading Committee, and staff from each elementary school, Colonial Heights Public Schools is currently considering the following two reading series to supplement and advance the literacy instruction currently occurring in our classrooms:

  • Amplify Education, Inc. Core Knowledge Language Arts, 2e (2022) K-5
  • Benchmark Education Company, LLC Benchmark Advance (2022) K-5

We encourage interested parents and community stakeholders to preview these materials.  You can view digital samples and instructional guides online for both Amplify (click here) and Benchmark (click here).  If you would like to provide feedback or to view sample materials in person during the week of December 18-21, please fill out this form or contact Dr. Patrick Neuman, Director of Curriculum and Assessment, at patrick_neuman@colonialhts.net or 804-524-3400. Any feedback will help Colonial Heights Public Schools in this important and exciting process.  Colonial Heights Public Schools plans to make a recommendation to the School Board at the January board meeting.

As a reminder, the state board of education has the authority to approve textbooks and other instructional materials used in the state. Local school boards enter into written contracts with publishers whose textbooks have been approved by the board. The price of a textbook sold in Virginia is not to exceed the lowest price the same textbook is sold at in any other part of the United States (VA. CODE ANN. § 22.1-241).

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Patrick Neuman at patrick_neuman@colonialhts.net or 804-524-3400.