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Science department outlines growth in project-based learning, AP gains and career-pathway internships
Summary
Department leaders described growth in Project Lead The Way coursework, an environmental innovation pathway, strong AP Biology results and plans to expand internships and industry partnerships.
The School Committee heard a 6–12 science and engineering update March 10 from department leaders highlighting increased project-based learning, implementation of an environmental innovation career pathway and growth in advanced coursework access.
Mr. Newton, presenting for the science department, said the district’s environmental innovation career pathway is a DESE-recognized Innovation Career Pathway (ICP). He said the pathway relies on two technical courses (ninth-grade biology and tenth-grade chemistry) and additional STEM credits, and culminates in a 100-hour internship or capstone. Newton reported the district expects five students to complete the pathway this year and said community partners have been identified to host internships and capstone projects.
On assessments, Newton reviewed MCAS and College Board trends. He said the district will pilot DESE’s proposed changes to the science MCAS and that new MCAS modules emphasize practice-based, hands-on work. He highlighted AP results for recent years and said AP Biology pass rates were strong (Newton referenced a roughly 93% pass rate by the presentation). The department noted some regression on AP Physics 1 and flagged curricular areas (for example, rotational and circular motion) for targeted instructional work and alignment with College Board expectations. Newton also said the addition of AP Environmental Science in 2023 expanded access to AP-level coursework without reducing enrollment in AP Biology.
Newton described Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offerings, explaining the curriculum provider supplies course materials, project-based units, teacher training and an option for students to earn college credit when they meet PLTW criteria; the district pays a membership fee to access materials. The district is running two PLTW courses this year and hopes to expand to four next year. Newton also described local partnerships — he cited the North and South River Watershed Association, Friends of Holly Hill Farm and a NOAA/Stellwagen Bank research certificate program that awarded certificates to students who completed independent research projects.
Why it matters: the update signals a district effort to broaden STEM options, increase project- and internship-based learning, and target specific curriculum adjustments where assessment results indicate gaps.
Committee members asked about course sequencing, access for students with disabilities and how internship/capstone matches the ICP requirements. Presenters said teachers and staff collaborate on room data sheets and common assessments and that staff are working to embed supports for students with disabilities within courses.
