District science teachers to pilot two chemistry texts for Pre-AP and chemistry courses

Derby Public Schools science teachers plan to pilot two chemistry textbooks for chemistry and Pre-AP chemistry courses and will return to the board with feedback and a recommendation after classroom trials.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson reported the science department reviewed five publishers and narrowed materials to two options: National Geographic's The World of Chemistry and Bedford, Freeman & Worth's Living by Chemistry. The district's current materials date from 2017 and leaders said they extended that license for one year while teachers completed the review.

The proposed pilot would run Nov. 17 through early second semester, after which teachers will collect student and teacher feedback and present a recommendation back to the curriculum office and the board. No final purchasing decision was made at the Oct. 27 meeting; the presentation was informational and the board did not vote on adoption at this session.