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Schuylkill Valley board approves new K–12 science and K–8 math curriculum
Summary
The Schuylkill Valley School District board voted unanimously to adopt OpenSciEd-based science materials for K–12 and Reveal Math (with ALEKS integration) for K–8, algebra 2 and geometry, citing teacher support and built-in diagnostics and interventions.
The Schuylkill Valley School District Board of Directors on Tuesday approved new science and mathematics curricula for the district, voting 8-0 to adopt K–12 science materials aligned to the state standards and a K–8 Reveal Math program (with ALEKS digital learning) plus high-school algebra and geometry resources.
District officials told the board the package is intended to align instruction with state standards, provide teachers with built-in diagnostic data and differentiation, and reduce the number of separate, stand-alone programs teachers must run.
Administrators said teachers reviewed four vendor presentations for math and selected Reveal Math (McGraw Hill) after district evaluations showed strong support. The program includes digital and print consumables, a 3,000‑question test bank, video “math replay” lessons in Spanish and English, and an ALEKS personalized path that integrates with the classroom program. Officials said the program’s readiness diagnostics and exit tickets generate immediate grouping and intervention recommendations for teachers.
On science, the board approved OpenSciEd-based materials for grades 3–8 (with teacher kits to support hands-on lessons), Mystery Science for K–2, and a high‑school Science Techbook resource. Presenters said the kits include teacher-ready lab materials sized for classroom use and that the materials are designed to meet the district’s environmental literacy and sustainability expectations.
Board members asked about device and bandwidth compatibility, offline access, family access, assessment accommodations and data privacy. District technology staff said the vendor-hosted, web-based resources require only a standard internet connection; the systems are accessible on phones, tablets and PCs; and roster information would be minimal (name and district email) through the district single-sign-on. The district agreed to follow up with vendor documentation on offline viewing and step-by-step student practice explanations.
The board approved both curriculum items by voice vote, 8-0. Administrators said the district expects to phase in materials, provide professional learning for staff, and eliminate some previously purchased resources that overlap with the new programs.
Next steps include vendor implementation, staff training, and follow-up reporting to the board on device testing and offline-access options prior to full rollout.
