K-5 and 6-8 English Language Arts Core Curriculum Adoption

Tempe Elementary School District is requesting proposals for a comprehensive English Language Arts core curriculum for grades K–5 and grades 6–8, including textbooks, digital resources, and supplemental materials, with proposals due October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Arizona time through OpenGov.

K–5 programs must appear on the Arizona Department of Education's Move On When Reading (MOWR) Vetted Core Program List and hold an ESSA evidence-based rating in one of the top three tiers — a mandatory eligibility filter. All materials must align to Arizona English Language Arts Standards and Science of Reading principles. Digital review access is required with each proposal; the District will request physical samples from finalists only.

The District serves approximately 9,071 students across 322 teachers in 21 schools — 6,344 students and 292 teachers in K–5, and 2,727 students and 30 teachers in 6–8. Pricing must be submitted separately for K–5 and 6–8 programs and any Spanish bi-literacy components. Vendors must provide net prices for student and teacher materials listed separately, pricing for items supplied at no cost with replacement prices, consumables costs, digital resource licensing terms and annual costs, professional development costs after year one, and shipping and freight. Pricing shall be firm for the initial five-year term. No minimum purchase quantities are guaranteed, though the District reserves the right to increase or decrease estimated quantities.

The contract term commences upon award and continues through June 30, 2031, with potential extension for up to four additional one-year contracts if funding is available. Digital resources and services must be accessible no later than April 1, 2027; all print and digital materials must be delivered by May 1, 2027. Finalist presentations are targeted for February 1–5, 2027, with Governing Board approval and award targeted for February 17, 2027. Successful vendors must obtain and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage, naming the District as an additional insured party. The District reserves the right to award to a single vendor or make multiple awards.