School Board Approves New K–5 English Language Arts Curriculum

Seattle Public Schools has successfully completed its K–5 English Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials adoption.  

Following a comprehensive review of three high-quality curriculum programs, the adoption committee recommended McGraw Hill’s Emerge!, which was formally approved by the Seattle School Board for a seven-year adoption. 

Emerge! was selected for its strong alignment with the science of reading, with a structured literacy approach that develops foundational skills while also strengthening language comprehension. The adoption committee highlighted the curriculum’s integrated design for reading and writing, flexible supports to meet the diverse needs of learners, and a thoughtful commitment to culturally responsive topics and inclusive authorship across grade levels. 

This adoption reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to high-quality, evidence-based instruction that supports literacy development and academic success for every student. 

A special thanks to adoption committee members and field testers whose time, expertise, and dedication made this process possible. Their thoughtful feedback and collaborative work were essential in selecting an instructional resource that will benefit students for years to come.