Inquiry By Design Launches Print-First Middle School ELA Curriculum Custom-Built for California Schools

State-recommended program brings literature, writing, discussion, and language development into one coherent instructional experience

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As California schools re-evaluate screen-heavy instruction and confront declining adolescent reading stamina, Inquiry by Design (IBD) today announced its development of a California-specific core Middle School English Language Arts (ELA) with integrated English Language Development (ELD) curriculum.

Developed for California's ELA/ELD Framework, the print-first program unifies literature, writing, contextual language development, and structured discussion into a single instructional sequence built around complete literary works. A state review committee unanimously approved the curriculum to be sent to the California State Board of Education for approval in November 2026.

Key Program Highlights

• Print-First Instructional Design: Uses complete literary works to support sustained reading, authentic text annotation, and rich classroom discussion rather than fragmented digital excerpts or isolated skill practice.
• California State Validation: Recommended for State Board of Education adoption following an official panel evaluation against California ELA/ELD Framework standards.
• Integrated ELD Framework: Includes embedded language structures, sentence frames, and contextual grammar designed specifically to support California's large English Language Learner (ELL) population.
• District Availability: Now available for California school district review, piloting, and local adoption processes.

Designed for Classroom Instruction
Like all Inquiry by Design programs, the California Edition provides complete student and teacher materials with embedded language supports, instructional routines, and scaffolded differentiation built directly into every lesson. Teachers spend less time assembling disconnected resources and more time leading instruction while students engage with complete texts, purposeful writing, and meaningful discussion.

"Technology did not invent fragmented learning, but it made it easier to keep adding pieces without considering how they work together," said Nick Resnick, CEO of Inquiry by Design. "This curriculum was not retrofitted for the current conversation about screen time. It grew from a belief we have held from the beginning: students build understanding through connected ideas, sustained attention, strong teaching, and learning with other people."

"Reading, writing, discussion, and language development work best when taught together," added Tammy Baumann, Chief Product Officer at Inquiry by Design. "A curriculum should not reduce a teacher to managing platform tabs. It should provide the structure that allows the teacher to lead learning."

District Review and Availability
The Inquiry by Design Middle School ELA with ELD California Edition serves grades 6–8 and includes complete student and teacher materials. California educators and district administrators can review sample units, inspect state alignment documentation, or request committee review access by visiting inquirybydesign.com/california.

For a visual overview of how the curriculum's print-first structure and integrated units function in the classroom, watch the Inquiry by Design Instructional Overview Video. This video provides direct insight into how the program connects authentic texts, discussion, and writing sequences for middle school classrooms.

About Inquiry by Design
Inquiry by Design is a California-based curriculum company that offers print-first English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for secondary schools (grades 6–12). Founded by educators, Inquiry by Design integrates full-length literature, knowledge building, writing, language development, and classroom discussion into one coherent learning experience without requiring a student digital platform for core instruction. Built to eliminate screen-heavy instructional fragmentation, Inquiry by Design reduces teacher planning burden, restores room for human-centered classroom inquiry, and helps school districts reclaim teacher-led, connected learning. Learn more at https://www.inquirybydesign.com. 

Media Contact:
Elise Quintana
[email protected]
(248) 891-7304 

SOURCE Inquiry by Design