During the recent Williamston Board of Education meeting on November 11, 2024, significant discussions centered around enhancing the science curriculum for high school students. The science department is actively reviewing the standards for 9th and 10th grades to ensure they adequately prepare students for the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) in their junior year.

A key focus of the curriculum improvement is the implementation of the Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) framework. This three-step process is designed to foster critical thinking among students. The first step involves students articulating their opinions or ideas in response to a question. Next, they are required to provide data that supports their claims. Finally, students must explain how their evidence aligns with scientific principles or rules, thereby deepening their understanding of the material.

Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through labs and simulations, allowing students to apply the CER process in practical scenarios. This approach not only enhances their scientific inquiry skills but also prepares them for more advanced studies.

The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning educational standards to ensure that students are well-equipped for future assessments and scientific challenges. As the board continues to refine the curriculum, the focus remains on fostering a robust educational environment that promotes critical thinking and inquiry-based learning.