Agenda Item
a. Instructional Resources (Not to Exceed $1,400,000)
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the purchase of supplemental instructional resources and materials, both printed and digital, for the English Learners Department in an amount not to exceed $­­1,400,000.
Why: The selected vendors have been carefully vetted and identified to
improve access to meaningful content,
increase awareness of sound instructional practices,
provide technological assets that promote creativity, connections, and innovation, and
engage students in rigorous activities/ assessments.
These research-based supplemental instructional resources and materials provide full access to the DCSD’s rigorous curriculum to the school district’s diverse population.
DeKalb County School District adheres to Title III (Federal) funding allocation to provide supplemental services to improve the English language proficiency and academic achievement of English Learners.
Details: The DeKalb County School District will purchase supplemental instructional resources and materials to support the academic success of English Learners served through the Division of Student Services (English Learners Department) in accordance with Board Policy DJE (III.D.3.g).
Financial impact: The total financial impact for SY2026-2027 is not to exceed the amount of $1,400,000.
Title III Funds and general funds will be used to purchase these resources.
Charge codes: 460.1000.553200.07221.7130.1816.6015.094.2026 and 100.1000.553200.07711.7130.1353.6015.094.0000
Contact: Mrs. Kiana King, Interim Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Dr. Evelyn Hall, Executive Director of English Learners Department, Division of Student Services
Effective: July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Vista Higher Learning
Instructional Resources Overview
Vista Higher Learning English to Speakers of Other Languages programs provide a
comprehensive, standards-aligned literacy and language development pathway for English
Learners in grades 3–12, with a strong emphasis on academic reading, writing, speaking, and
listening. These programs are intentionally designed to support students at varying stages of
English proficiency, including newcomers and students in general ESOL courses. DCSD utilizes
Get Ready for Intensive English students in grades 3-12. Students in the general ESOL program
can access Connect (grades 4 & 5), Bridges (grades 6-8), and Engage (grades 9-12).
Vista Higher Learning resources also support instructional consistency across grade bands and
program models, ensuring that English Learners experience a coherent progression of literacy
and language skills as they advance. By aligning English language development with literacy-
focused instruction, these programs directly support district priorities for improving reading
outcomes and academic readiness for English Learners.
Get Ready! (Intensive English, Grades 4-12)
Get Ready! Sail (Blue) Get Ready! (Orange)
Elementary - Grade 3-4 Middle - Grades 6-8
Get Ready! Soar (Green) Get Ready! (Purple)
Elementary - Grades 4-5 High - Grades 9-12
Connect Bridges
(ESOL Program, Grades 4-5) (ESOL Program, Middle School)
Ensures proficiency in Develops proficiency in the
vocabulary, reading, vocabulary, reading, Bridges A = Grade 6
Connect 4 = Grade 4
listening, speaking, writing, listening, speaking, writing, Bridges B = Grade 7
and grammar skills Connect 5 = Grade 5 and grammar skills.
Bridges C = Grade 8
Promotes academic Promotes academic
language development and language development and
writing skills scaffolds reading and writing
Engages with motivating skills.
literary texts and Engages students literary
informational texts in and informational texts in
science, social studies, science, social studies, math,
math, and the arts and other content areas.
Engage
(ESOL Program, High School)
Builds proficiency in vocabulary, reading, Engage A = Grade 9
listening, speaking, writing, and grammar skills.
Engages students with literary and Engage B = Grade 10
informational texts in science, social studies, Engage C = Grade 11
math, and other content areas. Engage D = Grade 12
Inspires students to explore career pathways.