Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves new middle‑school science and high‑school mathematics materials after multi‑year review
Summary
The board approved two curriculum adoptions: Amplify for middle‑school science and Carnegie (integrated math) for high‑school math after multi‑year pilot and review; staff described NGSS alignment and supports for student intervention.
The Orting School District board approved two curriculum adoptions after a teacher‑led review and multi‑semester pilots: Amplify for middle‑school science and Carnegie for high‑school integrated mathematics.
What was approved: District presenters said the middle‑school science adoption followed a multi‑year process interrupted by the pandemic; teachers piloted two programs and recommended Amplify for its alignment to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and three‑dimensional approach emphasizing disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices and cross‑cutting concepts. The board approved the recommendation.
High school mathematics: High‑school teachers and curriculum leads recommended an integrated Carnegie Math program intended to deliver the skills and conceptual understanding students need by 10th grade for state assessments. Presenters described Carnegie as supporting conceptual understanding, providing adaptive online intervention tools and offering a variety of assessment items and teacher resources. Teachers said Carnegie also complements “building thinking classroom” instructional routines and provides online intervention pathways for students who miss class or need differentiated practice.
Funding and pilot details: Presenters said the middle‑school science first‑year cost is higher because of hands‑on kits; that cost is front‑loaded and recurring costs are lower in subsequent years. High‑school Carnegie costs are split over three years and professional learning will be added. Staff noted some CTE funds will contribute to eighth‑grade science materials where a middle‑school course now qualifies as a CTE framework.
Why it matters: Teachers led the adoption process, piloting materials and scoring them against rubrics aligned to NGSS and local priorities. Board members praised the teacher‑driven process and voted to approve the adoptions; motion passed during the meeting.
Taper: The district set plans for professional learning and for staged purchases to spread costs; staff will present purchase orders and implementation steps in follow‑up items.
