Science audit: district aligns elementary kits to new state standards, prepares curriculum updates and textbook proposals

Haverford Township School District’s K–12 STEM supervisor, Dr. Jeff Nesbitt, told the board the district is midstream in a science audit and curricular alignment to the state’s updated science standards (referred to in the presentation as Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability standards).

Nesbitt said the district has purchased a set of elementary science kits aligned to the Next Generation/STEELS approach (examples noted as Smithsonian‑designed kits) and has implemented some kits across buildings. He said the district has adopted a phased procurement model so that additional kits and replenishment costs are spread over multiple years. A single start‑up kit can cost roughly $1,500 and is typically purchased as a kit designed for multiple years of…