Request for Proposals
Instructional Materials / Textbook Adoption – Grades 3–8 ELA
Issued by: Person County Schools (PCS)
RFP Number: PCS-IM-2026-01
Issue Date: February 10, 2026
Proposal Due Date: February 27, 2026
Purpose
Person County Schools (PCS) is seeking competitive proposals from qualified publishers and vendors to provide high-quality core ELA instructional materials for grades 3-8. Materials must be fully aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) and grounded in the Science of Reading, supporting rigorous reading and writing instruction, complex texts, and core literacy development.
District Overview
Person County Schools serves students in grades 3-8 across 8 schools. The district is committed to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction and continuous improvement to ensure student success. PCS prioritizes instructional materials that are standards-aligned, support diverse learners, and provide robust core instruction.
Scope of Adoption
PCS intends to adopt core English Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials for grades 3-8:
Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Levels: Grades 3-8
Adoption Type: Core Instructional Materials
Adoption Term: 3-5 Years
The adopted materials must support coherent, vertically aligned literacy instruction across grades 3-8 and serve as the foundation for whole-class core instruction.
Instructional Requirements
Proposed ELA instructional materials must:
Be fully aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (Grades 3-8 ELA)
Be grounded in the Science of Reading, reflecting research-based literacy practices
Serve as a core instructional program, not supplemental or intervention-only resources
Provide systematic, explicit instruction that supports grade-level proficiency and acceleration
Science of Reading Alignment
Materials must demonstrate clear, research-based alignment to the Science of Reading. Submissions must include evidence of explicit and systematic instruction in English Language Arts, when developmentally appropriate, in the following areas:
Reading fluency
Vocabulary development
Reading comprehension
Writing
Materials must also provide intentional opportunities for students to apply foundational skills through authentic, integrated reading and writing tasks.
Complex Text and Knowledge Building
Materials must:
Include regular engagement with grade-level complex texts, including literary and informational texts
Support text-dependent analysis and close reading practices
Build background knowledge and academic vocabulary through coherent text sets
Reflect diverse perspectives and culturally responsive content
Writing Instruction
Materials must:
Provide explicit, sequenced instruction in writing aligned to NCSCOS standards
Address all major writing types:
Argumentative
Informative/Explanatory
Narrative
Integrate writing with reading through text-based writing tasks
Include guidance for grammar, conventions, and language development in context
Core Instruction and Instructional Design
Materials must:
Support daily, grade-level core ELA instruction
Include clear lesson structures, pacing guidance, and instructional routines
Embed opportunities for formative assessment and responsive instruction
Support productive student discourse and academic discussion
Format and Delivery
Proposals may include:
Print instructional materials
Digital instructional materials (web-based or app-based)
Blended print and digital solutions
Digital resources must be compatible with PCS technology systems and accessible on district-issued devices. Vendors should specify platform requirements, licensing models, and offline access options, if applicable.
Professional Learning and Implementation Support
Vendors must describe comprehensive implementation support, including:
Initial professional learning focused on:
Understanding the Science of Reading
Effective implementation of the core ELA program
Instructional shifts related to complex text and writing
Ongoing professional learning options (in-person and/or virtual)
Coaching tools, implementation guides, and fidelity supports
Resources for instructional leaders to support observation, feedback, and continuous improvement
Family-facing resources that support literacy development at home, if available
Accessibility and Equity
Materials must comply with accessibility standards, including:
ADA and WCAG compliance for digital resources
Supports for students with disabilities
Linguistic accommodations and multilingual supports
Culturally responsive and inclusive content
Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals must include the following sections:
Company Background and Experience
Description of Instructional Materials
Alignment to North Carolina Standards and Science of Reading
Research Base and Evidence of Effectiveness
Assessment and Data Tools
Differentiation and MTSS Supports
Technology and Accessibility
Professional Learning and Implementation Support
Cost Proposal and Pricing Structure
References (minimum of three school districts)
9. Cost Proposal
Vendors must provide detailed pricing, including:
Per-student or per-teacher costs
Print and digital pricing breakdowns
Professional development costs
Renewal and licensing fees
Any additional or optional costs
All pricing should be valid for the full adoption term.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Alignment to NCSCOS (Grades 3-8 ELA)
Strength and clarity of alignment to the Science of Reading
Quality of complex text selection and knowledge-building design
Effectiveness of writing instruction and integration with reading
Strength of core instructional design and usability for educators
Support for diverse learners within Tier 1 instruction and MTSS
Quality of professional learning and implementation support
Cost-effectiveness and overall value to Person County Schools
PCS reserves the right to request product samples, demonstrations, classroom pilots, or additional documentation as part of the evaluation process.
Timeline
RFP Issued: February 10, 2026
Vendor Questions Due: February 17, 2026
Responses to Questions Posted: February 20, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026; 12:00PM
Open Bids March 2, 2026 at 3:00PM
Review and Evaluation: March 2-March 6, 2026
Board Approval: April 16, 2026
Implementation Start: August, 1, 2026
Conditions and Reservations
Person County Schools reserves the right to:
Reject any or all proposals
Waive informalities or irregularities in proposals
Request additional information from vendors
Negotiate terms and conditions with selected vendor(s)
Submission of a proposal does not obligate PCS to award a contract.
Contact Information
All questions regarding this RFP should be submitted in writing to:
Tara Holmes
Title: Chief Academic Officer
Person County Schools
Email: holmest@person.k12.nc.us
Person County Schools is an equal opportunity employer and provider.