Seattle Public Schools Adopts Inquiry By Design’s ELA Curriculum for Grades 6-8

August 15, 2024 —  Seattle Public Schools, Washington state’s largest K-12 public school system, has adopted Inquiry By Design as its English Language Arts core curriculum for grades 6-8. This unanimous decision marks a significant milestone in the district's commitment to providing culturally relevant, high-quality curriculum for all students. 

Caleb Perkins, Director of College and Career Readiness for Seattle Public Schools, shared this exciting development with the Board of Directors at their monthly meeting April 25, 2024. “The last formal 6-8 ELA district-wide adoption was in 1998. To say these adoptions are overdue would be a dramatic understatement, and we are so grateful that the board consistently over the last several years has done the work to approve new curricula,” said Perkins. “We believe the selection we’re bringing to you, Inquiry By Design for 6-8 ELA, aligns to our [district] values—our values for racial equity and improved instruction.”

Perkins detailed the meticulous, multi-step curriculum adoption process, which includes four stages: developing criteria by the adoption committee, evaluating initial responses from an RFP, field testing the finalists, and reevaluating the finalists. The diverse adoption committee, composed of parents, educators, and school leaders representing various backgrounds and expertise, played a pivotal role in this process.

“The ELA adoption committee had 16 members,” Perkins highlighted. “[The field test] was particularly critical with the ELA adoption, revealing that Inquiry By Design was the clear choice. Not only are they aligned to standards, but they’re also designed to really improve teaching and learning and help us meet our strategic planning goals, especially as it relates to racial equity.”

"We are honored to be selected as the sole finalist for Seattle Public Schools' first ELA adoption in over 15 years,”  said Nick Resnick, Chief Executive Officer at Inquiry By Design. “Our curriculum's alignment with SPS’s goals and diverse student population makes this partnership incredibly meaningful. We look forward to contributing to their mission of providing equitable, high-quality education to all students.”

Inquiry By Design stood out in several key areas. It was rated highest for cultural responsiveness, instructional support for staff, and providing multiple ways for students to engage with the materials. Its inquiry-based approach resonated strongly with students, emphasizing their voices in the classroom. Perkins explained how “[Students] want their voice to be the center of the classroom, and this inquiry based approach is in response to that.”

ELA teachers will be provided professional learning opportunities in preparation for a fall 2024 implementation.