Custom Curriculum Development for Pinellas County Schools

This case study details the custom curriculum development project undertaken by Pinellas County Schools in response to the adoption of the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards in February 2020. The district, which serves over 91,000 students across 143 schools, aimed to create a K–5 curriculum that aligns with the new standards while incorporating localized content. The project faced challenges such as a tight development timeline and the need to address post-pandemic learning gaps. To meet their goals, the district partnered with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to develop a new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum and a word study curriculum for grades 3-5. The solution included customized unit outlines, lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials designed to enhance student engagement and accessibility. The outcome of this initiative was a significant academic improvement, with the district achieving an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education in 2024, marking a historic milestone.