The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is beginning a textbook adoption process for EnglishLanguage Arts and Mathematics, according to a press release issued May 13 by Deputy Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction Sarah F. Mahurt, Ph.D. The textbooks under review will be aligned with the Common Core State Standards that were adopted for the 2010-2011 school year. The public is invited to view the textbook samples that publishers have submitted for consideration. Everyone who views the materials will have the opportunity to complete an evaluation rubric that will be used in making decisions about the materials.
In the St. Croix District all materials will be on display for public review from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 16 through Friday, May 20, at the Curriculum Center in Kingshill. In the St. Thomas-St. John District, the text samples will be opened for public review from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 19-20, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 21, at the Palms Court Harbourview Hotel.
“This open review of texts provides a great opportunity for parents and other community members with an interest in education to provide input into the text selection process,” the deputy commissioner said.