Romulus schools recommend adopting McGraw Hill and Savvas for high-school science after pilot

Romulus Community Schools staff recommended full adoption of new high-school science curriculum materials for the 2025–26 school year after a year-long pilot that staff said improved student engagement and teacher satisfaction.

The recommendation matters because the district lacked uniform instructional resources for high-school science, and trustees were presented data showing high engagement and teacher approval during a pilot that covered grades 9–12.

Interim curriculum director Janelle Edwards told the board the district created a formal adoption process after a two-year needs assessment showed the high school lacked uniform materials for science, social studies and ELA. Edwards said the adoption process used subject committees, vendor demonstrations, a rubric-based review and a pilot phase with professional development.

Instructional specialist Krista Sailor summarized the science pilot. She said the adoption committee selected McGraw Hill for chemistry and physics and Savvas for biology after evaluating alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) using the EQuIP rubric and a district decision matrix. Sailor said the pilot began in September after August professional development, included four teachers and about 338 students in grades 9–12, and ran through April.

Sailor said student survey results showed high engagement: 94.8% for chemistry, 93.8% for biology and 83.7% for physics. Teacher surveys scored overall satisfaction generally between 4 and 5 on a 0–5 scale for instructional materials, student effectiveness and technology integration. Staff feedback noted strong tech integration, interactive labs, and better integration of literacy and math skills into science instruction.

Edwards presented the cost: $26,572.22 for McGraw Hill (chemistry and physics) and $26,241 for Savvas (biology), a combined $52,813.22 to be paid from general funds. The district’s implementation plan calls for continued professional development this summer and ordering materials so textbooks and online resources are available before fall implementation.

Board members asked about NGSS alignment, how the curriculum supports students with math deficits, and whether materials prepare students for college-level science. Staff said math concepts are embedded in the materials, pacing can be adjusted based on formative assessment, and staff believe the materials will prepare students for postsecondary courses. The recommendation was presented to the superintendent’s cabinet and the board for adoption consideration.