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Board committee reviews major curriculum purchases and plan to accelerate eligible seventh‑grade students into Algebra I
Summary
The committee reviewed $206,936.55 in three‑year math materials from McGraw‑Hill, three years of science kits and digital resources, and discussed a plan to accelerate roughly 40 seventh graders into Algebra I with targeted tutoring for other students.
Schuylkill Valley’s Committee of the Whole reviewed multiple curriculum proposals June 24, including a $206,936.55, three‑year mathematics package from McGraw‑Hill and science resources and kits for K‑12.
Staff explained the math package covers kindergarten through eighth grade, includes access to ALEKS (a personalized learning tool), digital and hardcopy textbooks, teacher resources and manipulative kits, and reflects a three‑year commitment. The district said the materials support a plan to offer Algebra I to a cohort of roughly 40 seventh graders who scored in the advanced/high proficient range on a diagnostic (CDT) and other assessments; those students would be accelerated to take geometry in eighth grade and could continue on the accelerated path into high‑school AP coursework.
Presenters said the district will use multiple data points — diagnostic scores, forthcoming PSSA results and course grades — before finalizing placement and that parents of students on the “bubble” will be invited to meet with administrators. Staff emphasized that acceleration will be limited to students who show readiness and that most students will remain in grade‑level classes with targeted, scheduled tutoring or individualized support periods to close gaps.
The committee also reviewed science resources: Discovery Education (elementary and high‑school subscriptions) at $33,900; Open SciEd ready‑to‑teach kits for grades 3–5 on a three‑year rental basis (quote $22,448 covering three years); and Open SciEd kits for grades 6–8 purchased outright (first‑year kit cost $27,133.37, with future years covering replenishment of consumables). Staff said the 3–5 kits are rented and refurbished annually by the vendor; middle‑school kits are purchased because a rental option is not offered for that level.
Board members asked about cost details for kit replacements and kit lifespans; staff agreed to provide itemized replacement prices, typical lifespans and a consumables estimate for future budgeting.
On math pacing and student grouping, staff said the district is not returning to broad tracking (three‑tier grouping) but instead will accelerate identified students while providing grade‑level standards, in‑class differentiation and a separate scheduled period for individualized tutoring or study hall for others. Staff said the new digital platforms provide assessment and longitudinal tracking that follows students year to year.
These curriculum proposals were discussed and are expected to appear on the voting agenda; the committee did not take final votes on the curriculum packages at this meeting.
