Norwin curriculum leaders recommend materials aligned to state standards; textbook lists posted for review

Norwin School District curriculum leaders presented year‑two reviews Monday and recommended adopting instructional materials aligned to Pennsylvania standards, increasing professional development and integrating resources into Schoology.

The presentations, led by Dr. Newell, Director of Elementary Education and Curriculum, summarized needs assessments and recommended next steps for three departments: elementary art, K‑6 mathematics and secondary science. Dr. Newell said the district follows a six‑year curriculum cycle and that tonight’s reports complete the second year of that cycle.

Art teacher Chris Satterfield told the board that parents and students reported general satisfaction with the amount of art instruction and asked that the district consider restoring an art offering at grade 7. “Both parents and students named similar benefits of art education,” Satterfield said, citing creativity, reduced stress and confidence building. Satterfield recommended a multi‑year professional learning plan for art teachers, an equipment replacement schedule and consideration of new electives such as photography and animation.

K‑6 math curriculum leader Drew Rutkowski said district assessments and the Future Ready Index show growth in mathematics and that the department plans to emphasize online PSSA practice as state tests move online. “We want to continue to utilize resources containing PSSA‑type questions, prompts and assessments,” Rutkowski said. His recommendations included greater fidelity to core materials across grades, more opportunities for students to write about math, expanded support materials for diverse learners and integration of resources into Schoology.

Secondary science leader T.J. Lloyd said Pennsylvania recently adopted a version of the Next Generation Science Standards and Keystone exams will reflect those changes in coming years. Lloyd recommended adopting materials aligned to NGSS/PA standards, training teachers in phenomena‑based instruction, and ensuring digital and iPad compatibility for new resources. “We want to train secondary science teachers to thrive in this model of instruction,” Lloyd said.

Dr. Newell told the board the textbook adoption list appears under education item 9 and that the physical materials are available for review in the hallway during the coming month; formal adoption will be considered at a later meeting.

The presentations included staff, student and parent survey results and program strengths; presenters asked the board to support time and funding for professional learning as materials are adopted.

Board members did not take formal action on textbook adoptions at the meeting; Dr. Newell said board members may review the materials and raise questions before the adoption vote.

Looking ahead, curriculum leaders said materials alignment and teacher training will continue through the remainder of the curriculum cycle and into implementation years.