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Seaford curriculum update: district to switch middle/high math platform, expand CTE and supports for special populations
Summary
District staff outlined planned curriculum changes including a move to an Amplify/Desmos math program for grades 6–12 next year, expanded CTE and teacher‑pipeline work, new supports for special populations after a state school improvement designation, and strengthened dual‑enrollment and newcomer supports.
Dr. Jeanette (Curriculum and Instruction) briefed the board on curriculum work across Seaford schools and outlined planned changes for next school year.
Dr. Jeanette said the district will change its math curriculum for grades 6 through 12 to the Amplify Desmos platform and noted the program's technology and teacher dashboard features. "The amplified program has some technology built into it that illustrative math doesn't," she said, describing interactive lessons that let students manipulate variables and teachers monitor progress in real time.
At the elementary level, the district said it is continuing implementation of Bookworms and Illustrative Mathematics, while introducing structured small‑group math planning using pre/post tests and Amplify small‑group lessons to address learning gaps. At middle school, staff said they are piloting "Bookworms Intensive" for identified students and implementing a three‑group shared‑reading model (teacher‑led, partner reading, independent reading guide) to build continuity between grades 5 and 6.
Staff reported increased CTE opportunities at the middle school, including a teacher academy intended to build a local pipeline to the profession. Dr. Jeanette said the academy intentionally targets groups underrepresented in education, naming African‑American males and Hispanic students as focus groups for recruitment.
The district said Seaford Middle School was recently identified by the state for school improvement related to special populations; staff described existing, ongoing work and a planned partnership with the University of Delaware to collaborate with a cohort of other middle schools.
At the high school, the board heard that OpenSciEd science curriculum is fully implemented and that the district had purchased kits and materials. Staff also reported adoption of the VISTA get ready curriculum to support newcomers and an expansion of dual‑enrollment offerings through Delaware Technical Community College (referred to in the meeting as Deltek/DelTech), which staff said had been piloted in algebra 1 and will be evaluated for continuation.
Dr. Jeanette said the district will pilot a world language curriculum in the fall at one grade level with possible full implementation the following spring and is examining a new universal screener and progress‑monitoring tool to align assessment across the system.
Board members asked clarifying questions about supports for students enrolled in college classes and staff said they are reviewing data from the first pilot year and will adjust supports for next year.
No formal board vote was recorded on the curriculum items during the meeting; staff presented plans and invited follow‑up data review and implementation planning.
