Board approves 6–8 science, 9th-grade Pure Physics and 6–12 health materials

At the May 13 meeting the Bend-LaPine Board of Directors approved three separate curricular recommendations: Lab-Aids Issues in Science for grades 6–8, Pure Physics for ninth-grade physics, and the Live Well health curriculum with supplemental materials for grades 6–12.

Superintendent Dr. Steven Cook introduced the items and acknowledged staff who worked on alignment and accessibility. During discussion Director Kenna Chadwick raised concerns about state requirements and elective access after recent legislative changes, asking whether students could take the district health course online to free an in-person elective. Dr. Cook and staff said Bend-LaPine Online will move to Canvas and counselors can approve students to take health online so they can pursue additional electives.

Director Chadwick also pressed on science pathways and AP access. Curriculum staff said adopting Pure Physics for ninth grade would not block students from taking AP science later; AP biology and other AP options will remain available. Staff clarified that some schools currently use alternative curricula (for example, "Patterns") and a Pure Physics adoption would replace that material where the pathway is used. Staff and directors discussed prerequisite expectations; staff said the College Board recommends biology and chemistry for AP Biology but that the district can create pathways that allow students to reach AP coursework in later years.

Directors also asked about concerns raised in public feedback on the Live Well health materials. Staff explained that both state-approved vendor curricula contained sections the district believes do not match best practices from health-care partners; the district will omit those specific sections and use alternative, evidence-based materials for those topics. Staff said they will “not teach those sections” from the vendor where local health best practice conflicts and will substitute vetted supplemental materials.

Votes: Director Amy Tatum moved and Director Cameron Fisher seconded approval of the Lab-Aids 6–8 science recommendation; the motion passed. Director Tatum moved and Director Shirley Olsen seconded approval of Pure Physics for ninth grade; that motion passed. Director Kenna Chadwick moved and Director Amy Tatum seconded approval of Live Well and supplemental materials for grades 6–12 health; that motion passed.

Why this matters: Trustees said the adoptions aim to increase systemwide rigor, consistency and access to advanced coursework while addressing local instructional needs and health best practices.

Questions and follow-up: Staff said the district will continue developing chemistry and biology curricula, train teachers (especially for data-science and applied courses), build common assessments and monitor whether the pathway improves access for historically underserved students.