RSU 06 board: curriculum committee approves elementary STEM pilot and course updates

The RSU 06 / MSAD 06 curriculum committee approved an elementary STEM rotation pilot and several course-material updates that the full board heard at its meeting.

Committee Chair Director Kreutz said the elementary STEM program would be added as a fifth special (alongside gym, art, library and music) and would not increase the budget if the proposed budget passes. He said the classroom rollout depends on kindergarten enrollment numbers and budget approval.

The committee also reviewed an updated course of studies for the district—s learning center (TLC) and approved two textbooks: one for AP U.S. history and one for Latin I and II. Director Kreutz said the AP textbook was selected in print to avoid unanticipated digital changes and that the Latin texts would include 25 copies to remain in class.

Committee members described three curriculum-department goals for the year: creating consistent written curriculum materials across content areas, improving math instruction through targeted programs (high school math packs, IXL at middle school, Reveal Math at elementary), and increasing equity in services, including use of an instructional-differentiation tool the committee identified as "Diffet." The committee reported ongoing teacher professional development tied to those goals.

The committee discussed a possible pilot in collaboration with the Roo Institute (noted as affiliated with Northeastern) to test augmented-reality classroom tools in a high-school biology class; that study would return to the board for consideration if terms are finalized.

The committee adjourned after approving the items and noting next meeting timing will be determined after the board reorganization.