Middle School ELA Curriculum Selection Committee Unanimously Recommends Inquiry By Design
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 17, 2025 – Canby School District in Oregon kicks off the 2025-2026 School Year with a valuable investment in student literacy with the official adoption of Inquiry By Design (IBD) for its grades 6-8 English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. This strategic decision, approved by a unanimous 6-0 vote from the district’s Board of Directors, underscores the district’s commitment to providing quality instructional materials and educational experiences that foster critical thinking, deep engagement, and a lifelong love of learning.
Inquiry by Design distinguishes itself through its dynamic, inquiry-based approach to Middle and High School ELA, empowering students to become active participants in their learning journey. The curriculum’s rich and diverse texts, coupled with thoughtfully designed learning experiences, cultivate sophisticated reading comprehension, analytical prowess, and compelling written communication skills essential for student success.
“IBD is thrilled to partner with the visionary educators at Canby School District,” says Nick Resnick, CEO of IBD. “Their dedication to providing students with high-quality instructional materials that support deep engagement and culturally relevant learning experiences aligns perfectly with the core principles of Inquiry by Design. We are confident that this curriculum will not only elevate literacy outcomes but also ignite a passion for exploration and discovery within Canby’s classrooms.”
The decision to adopt Inquiry by Design followed a comprehensive review process led by Canby’s Director of Teaching & Learning Danielle Reynolds-Young and Jen Silbernagel. The curriculum committee dedicated 40 hours of work, with participation from 87 teachers, ensuring a thorough and collaborative selection. This extensive involvement creates “strong implementation,” as noted by Director Reynolds-Young. The inquiry-based framework resonated strongly with the district’s commitment to student-centered learning and the development of crucial critical thinking skills. Canby specifically sought HQIM that would foster deeper student engagement and better prepare students for the complexities of higher education and beyond.
“We are incredibly excited about the possibilities that Inquiry By Design will unlock for our students,” states Danielle Reynolds-Young, Canby School District Director of Teaching & Learning. “This curriculum’s emphasis on active learning, inclusivity, and meaningful inquiry will empower our teachers to cultivate a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students become confident, articulate, and lifelong learners. We believe this partnership with IBD is a significant step forward in our mission to provide an opportunity for growth for every child in Canby.”
The implementation of Inquiry by Design is planned for full rollout in Fall 2025. This will include grade-level team meetings and curriculum mapping with publishers to ensure a smooth and successful transition for Canby’s educators. Both IBD and Canby School District are enthusiastic about the positive impact this collaboration will have on student achievement and the overall educational landscape of the community.
About Inquiry By Design:
Inquiry By Design (IBD) is a pioneering educational publisher dedicated to transforming literacy education through dynamic, inquiry-based curriculum. Our student-centered approach empowers learners to become active participants in their educational journey, fostering critical thinking, deep engagement, and a lifelong love of learning through rich, diverse, and culturally relevant texts. We partner with visionary educators to provide high-quality instructional materials that ignite exploration and discovery in classrooms, ensuring students are prepared for success in a complex world.
About Canby School District:
The Canby School District is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students. Committed to academic excellence and student well-being, the district serves a diverse community, providing opportunities for growth and success from kindergarten through graduation.