Cuyahoga Falls leaders recommend new 6–12 science materials, plan professional learning

Cuyahoga Falls City School District administrators on Wednesday recommended adopting new 6–12 science instructional materials and asked the board to consider formal approval at its June 11 meeting.

Curriculum leaders told the board the district completed a year‑long review process that used the Ohio guidance and a rubric developed by teachers. The middle school team recommended a new, module‑based consumable program from Savas; high school recommendations included updated Miller Levine biology materials (digital access this year and a rollover print order next year), McGraw‑Hill resources for physical science and astronomy, and new AP materials. The board was told the purchases include teacher materials and onsite and asynchronous professional development.

Why it matters: science teachers said they want materials that emphasize hands‑on, inquiry‑driven learning aligned to Ohio’s standards while also providing the implementation supports teachers need. Adopting new materials requires one‑time curriculum purchases and a professional development schedule before the 2025–26 school year.

Teachers and instructional leaders described the adoption process as collaborative and methodical. They said work began in October 2024, included vendor demonstrations January–March, and used an objective rubric so classroom teachers could score and compare programs. “We don’t want our students just reading about science. We want students doing science,” curriculum leader Mrs. Hausman told the board, summarizing the review board’s instructional philosophy.

Middle school: Presenters said uniform materials across grades 6–8 were important so students experience consistent structure across the three middle school years. The recommended Savas middle school program is printed and delivered by module and will be available digitally; the company told district staff it can drop‑ship initial module sets to ensure materials arrive before school starts. District staff noted there is no single Ohio‑specific middle school textbook that covers all standards, so they worked with the vendor to align modules to Ohio’s expectations.

High school: For biology the district recommended continuing with the updated Miller Levine program the high school piloted this year, adding online access now and print materials via a reduced‑price rollover next year. The board heard that the program includes anchoring phenomena, case studies, virtual simulations, and career‑connection features. Other recommended high‑school materials included McGraw‑Hill publications for physical science and anatomy/physiology, National Geographic supplemental resources for astronomy, and new textbooks for AP courses where College Board alignment is required.

Digital tools and supports: The district recommended renewing simulation and interactive licenses (for example, Gizmos) and maintaining digital integration with Google Classroom. Presenters said teachers would receive professional development from vendors in early August and ongoing coaching from the district’s curriculum support staff.

Cost and next steps: Presenters said the recommended quotes were being finalized and that the district’s curricular budget for science materials had room within the curriculum line. Board members asked whether textbook fees or student fees would change (administrators said no fee increases were planned). Staff requested approval of quotes on June 11 so vendor training and student access could begin over the summer and be in place for August professional learning.

District leaders asked the public to review sample materials in the curriculum office; parent sign‑ups for review sessions will be posted. The presentation materials and online access to samples will be made available to the board and the public before the June 11 vote.

Ending: If the board approves the quotes in June, vendors will provide initial professional development in early August and teacher teams will continue standards alignment work during the 2025–26 school year.