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Board reviews recommended K–5 and high‑school science materials; public preview scheduled through April 1
Summary
Garrett County Public Schools presented recommended elementary and high‑school science instructional materials for first reading. Elementary materials are projected at about $224,000; a five‑year high‑school package is estimated at about $90,000. Public review copies will be available in district libraries and online through April 1.
The Garrett County Board of Education received a first reading March 11 of recommended science instructional materials for kindergarten through grade 5 and for grades 9–12.
Ms. Candy Most, who presented the proposal, said the materials were selected by a teacher committee formed in summer 2024 that narrowed several vendors to two finalists and conducted pilots. “These materials went through the process with a teacher committee, which was formed last summer,” Most said during the presentation.
For elementary grades, the committee recommended Discovery Education with Mystery Science for kindergarten through grade 2 and a textbook package for grades 3–5. Staff estimated the elementary adoption at about $224,000. The materials are aligned to Maryland standards, emphasize hands‑on lessons using common classroom supplies, follow the 5E instructional model (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate), and include on‑demand training and virtual field trips.
For high school, staff recommended Savvas Learning Company materials, including resources for chemistry, physics and the Miller & Levine biology textbook. The district estimated the five‑year cost at about $90,000. Presenters said the high‑school materials support phenomenon‑based learning, differentiated hands‑on labs, and teacher assessment tools. Presenters clarified that Advanced Placement textbooks remain under previous adoptions and are not part of this adoption.
Staff will place digital samples and hard copies at Ruth Enloe Elementary in Oakland and at Grantsville for public review; the materials will be available through April 1 and district staff will collect feedback via an online survey. The board will consider a final adoption vote at its next meeting.
During the meeting a board member asked if Savvas was used elsewhere in Maryland; staff said Savvas was recently adopted in Prince George’s County. No formal vote was taken tonight — this was a first read and public review period.
