Pennsylvania schools prepare for new PA Steel Standards with Twig science curriculum adoption

In a pivotal meeting held on April 8, 2025, the Coatesville Area School District Board discussed significant changes to the science curriculum in response to the new Pennsylvania Steel Standards set to be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to enhancing science education through the adoption of innovative instructional materials.

The board reviewed the results of a pilot program involving two science resources: Twig Science and Smithsonian Science for elementary grades, and Carolina OpenSciEd and Twig for middle school. Teachers from both levels provided feedback after piloting these resources, with Twig emerging as the preferred choice due to its ease of use and engaging content. The pilot program involved 21 teachers who evaluated various components, including lesson effectiveness and student engagement.

The proposed adoption of Twig Science for elementary grades is projected to cost approximately $701,187.80 over six years, which includes essential teacher materials and science kits. The middle school adoption costs were also discussed, emphasizing the need for classroom sets of journals to support student learning. The board acknowledged the importance of professional development for teachers to effectively implement these new resources, with a focus on integrating science, technology, engineering, and environmental literacy into the curriculum.

Board members expressed enthusiasm about the potential of these resources to inspire students and prepare them for STEM careers. They noted the importance of providing students with authentic opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry and writing, which are integral to the new curriculum standards.

As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the need for ongoing communication with teachers who participated in the pilot program, suggesting that their insights could further inform future decisions. The discussions underscored the district's proactive approach to enhancing science education and ensuring that students are well-equipped for the challenges of the future.