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Gwinnett County Public Schools

Instructional Resources and Support

The Office of Instructional Resources and Support provides schools with core, Board-adopted instructional resources that meet the needs of all learners. 

Instructional Resources

The Instructional Resources and Support Office, in conjunction with each curriculum area office, facilitates the review, pilot, and Board-adoption processes for new core instructional materials, including print and/or digital formats. Each curriculum area’s core resources are reviewed and adopted as a whole following a staggered cycle. A resource review may also be necessary in the event of standards revisions or for the development of new courses. Part of the review process includes an annual public review where educators, parents, and community members are invited to peruse and comment on resources being considered for adoption. If you are interested in learning more about the review process, please email instructional.materials@gcpsk12.org or call 678-301-6828. 

 

Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS)

The Office of Instructional Resources and Support also facilitates the process of the annual review of curriculum through the Gwinnett Educational Management System (GEMS).  The GEMS Oversight Committee includes community and school system representatives charged with the review of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum.  After the review, the committee recommends revisions and additions to the Superintendent for adoption by the Gwinnett County Board of Education. The annual review meeting is typically held in October or November.  Several months before the meeting, GCPS will invite parents, community members, and school district employees to apply for the GEMS Oversight Committee.   The AKS for each grade level and subject area are available in the GCPS Course Catalog.

Bob Chase, Director

Bob Chase, Director

678-301-6828

Jessica Fernandez

Teaching and Learning Assistant

678-301-6828

Instructional Resources Reviews

Health - Sex Education

June 28, 2024 to July 28, 2024 - Sex Ed Vendor Solicitation

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) invited vendors to submit resource materials for the Health (Sex Ed) courses.

August 30, 2024 - Sex Ed Confirmed Vendor Solicitation

The following vendors have confirmed participation:

  • Choosing the Best
  • ETR - HealthSmart
  • Goodheart-Willcox
  • Human Kinetics
  • McGraw Hill
  • Savvas

September 30, 2024 to November 15, 2024 - Sex Ed Vendor Resource Public Review

During this time, parents, community members, teachers, and administrators were invited to review the resources submitted for alignment with the school system's Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards and provide feedback regarding the resources. 

September 30, 2024 to October 9, 2024 - Sex Ed Internal Vendor Resource Expo

During this time, internal staff had the opportunity to review vendor resources. Digital versions (if provided) were also accessible remotely by staff to review.

November 7, 2024 - Sex Ed Instructional Resources Review Committee Meeting (IRRC) 

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) hosted parents and community members for the district's Instructional Resources Review Committee (IRRC). This group was charged with evaluating the print and digital instructional resources submitted by the vendors. Feedback from the IRRC and teacher reviews will be considered in the selection of resources to pilot in the district. Instructional resources will be reviewed for courses in the areas of Sex Education (grades 5-9).

May 8, 2025 - Community Health Education Advisory Committee (CHEAC)

Instructional Materials containing sex education / AIDS information must be reviewed and recommended by the Community Health Education Advisory Committee (CHEAC) prior to implementation with students.

May 13, 2025 - Sex Ed Teacher Review Committee Meeting

Teacher experts representing all five districts will meet to review the resources provided and all data collected throughout the review process. This committee will be tasked with identifying the resource(s) that should move forward in the process to be piloted in schools with students. The decisions will be based on the selection criteria, survey data, and all collected feedback.

Sex Ed Pilots (Schedule to be determined)

Teachers and students in various health classes will use the selected resources in their class. Teachers and students will complete surveys to provide feedback on the resources.

Important Dates to Note

  • May 12, 2025 - May 30, 2025 - Supplemental Resources Public Review

  • June 1, 2025 to August 8, 2025 - GEMS Oversight Committee Application Open

  • September 2, 2025 to September 25, 2025 - GEMS Public Review

  • October 28, 2025 - GEMS Annual Meeting