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Board adopts new middle‑ and high‑school science curricula; elementary adoption postponed
Summary
The board approved middle school and high school science curriculum selections after a multi‑year review and pilot process; elementary science adoption will be postponed one year to reduce teacher adoption burden following recent language arts and math adoptions.
The South Lane SD 45J3 Board approved new science curriculum materials for middle and high school courses and agreed to postpone an elementary adoption for one year to allow teachers time to implement recent English and math adoptions.
District science lead Jeremy presented the multi‑year review, which included committee work, pilot classrooms, teacher and student feedback and consultation with Lane County science specialists. For middle school, the district will continue with and audit the current "iQuest" program while adjusting scope and sequence across sixth through eighth grades. For high school, the board approved adoption of the open‑source "Patterns" curriculum for several courses; staff said Patterns is authored by Oregon educators, is regularly updated and was selected for its hands‑on approach and strong student discourse.
Presenters discussed training and materials needs: high‑school teachers will be offered weeklong training through a GoSTEM program with classroom follow up and coaching; middle‑school staff will work with the publisher and the district science specialist to refine pacing across grades. Board and staff noted some materials and technology upgrades are required, including newer data‑collection probes and replacement computers so lab equipment operates reliably.
At the meeting a motion to approve the middle‑school and high‑school curriculum packages passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition. Elementary adoption was postponed to reduce simultaneous adoption demands on elementary teachers (language arts and math adoptions occurred recently); administrators said they will rely on cross‑curricular alignment and supplements from language arts content where possible until elementary science adoption is scheduled.
District staff said they will negotiate contracts with publishers, purchase materials and complete teacher training over spring and summer months so classroom implementation can proceed in the coming school year.
