School Board reviews first-year impacts of new science and social studies curricula

The Texas school board meeting on April 16, 2025, spotlighted the implementation of new curricula in science and social studies, with officials eager to assess their impact on student performance. The board discussed the first-year results of the "Into Science" curriculum, emphasizing that true comparative data will be available at the end of the school year. This data will be crucial for evaluating growth and effectiveness, as the board prepares for a cyclical review in the summer.

In social studies, the board highlighted the adoption of the "Active Classroom" digital curriculum for grades six through high school, which has seen an investment of $56,000. Officials expressed optimism about the potential improvements in student performance, particularly after reviewing last year’s STAR test results, where only 17% of eighth graders met the expected level in social studies.

Trustee Adams raised concerns about the lack of data on the "Eureka Math" curriculum, which is foundational to the new "Bluebonnet" curriculum. In response, officials committed to providing the requested return on investment data to the board. Additionally, they noted that both Carnegie and Derika scored highly on EdReports, a resource that evaluates educational materials.

Trustee McDaniel questioned the cost-effectiveness of the Frog Street curriculum, which, while yielding positive outcomes, comes with a high price tag. The board acknowledged the need for ongoing evaluation and optimization of their resources, indicating a willingness to explore more efficient alternatives in the future.

As the board continues to analyze these new educational tools, the focus remains on improving student outcomes while managing costs effectively. The anticipated data from the STAR assessments will play a pivotal role in shaping future curriculum decisions.