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Board approves purchase of Open SciEd for grades 6–8; phased rollout planned
Summary
The board approved purchasing Open SciEd instructional materials and equipment kits for sixth through eighth grade science and authorized professional development tied to a multi‑year rollout.
The Kenosha Unified School District board voted to approve purchase of Open SciEd materials and related equipment kits to begin transitioning grades 6–8 science instruction to the Next Generation Science Standards model.
The district presented the adoption after a vendor and educator review. Jennifer Lawler, coordinator of secondary science and math, described Open SciEd as "phenomena based learning" and said the curriculum includes professional development and manipulatives. She said the district will implement the program over three to four years, adding two to three new units per teacher each year and supporting teachers with a four‑day summer institute and ongoing professional learning.
Why it matters: administrators and teachers told the board they expect the materials and training to align instruction more closely with NGSS, provide hands‑on kits and reduce misalignment the district found in earlier materials.
Costs and motion Dr. Price moved that the board approve the purchase, citing materials and kit estimates shown in appendix C. The motion referenced "estimated purchase costs of $260,000 and 120 for materials" as reported in the board packet. The motion was seconded; the board approved the purchase by voice vote.
Rollout and supports Administrators said teachers will start with the first Open SciEd unit the year after the professional learning and teach two units in year one of implementation. The district said it will partner with the Einstein Project for professional development and seek grants to offset kit and PD costs.
Board members asked about pacing, teacher supports and how existing curricula would be used to fill gaps during the multi‑year adoption. Administration responded that existing resources will remain available while teachers transition to the new units.
