180 Days of Learning : ANAHEIM CITY

For the first time in seven years, the district’s students will have new mathematics and language arts textbooks and related materials.

Supt. Roberta Thompson said the district spent more than $1 million on the new books and materials, which have been in use since year-round sessions began July 8.

“It’s been a mountain of textbooks to get out,” she said.

The new language arts material is for students in kindergarten through third grade, said Sandra E. Barry, assistant superintendent for education administration.

“This is a change of program for the district,” Barry said. “This new program is still strong in phonics but includes an array of exceptional literature that gives students the opportunity to practice the skills they are taught.”

The new math materials are for students in third through sixth grades.

Barry said the new math curriculum is strong in computation but also emphasizes problem-solving and conceptual understanding.

“You’re going to find youngsters involved in more hands-on and real practical application of what they’re learning in math,” she said.

“Family nights” will also be offered to educate parents about the new materials and to ensure that they understand the programs. School personnel will also show parents how they can help their children at home.

Also new this year is the record number of teachers hired: 144. They were added as the district continues its commitment to limit classes to 20 students each in the primary grades, despite growth in enrollment.

Thompson said another high priority this year has been to convert the final six of the district’s 22 elementary schools to year-round schedules to ease campus overcrowding. Seventy portable classrooms have been placed at various schools, she said, to accommodate the enrollment boom.

Thompson said the district expects to add 1,000 students annually for the next seven years. This fall, 20,000 to 21,000 students are expected to enroll.