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Rockdale County lays out science goals, professional learning and resource-adoption timeline

Rockdale County Board of Education · November 14, 2025
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Summary

District science lead Heather Tolliver told the board the science team aims to raise weighted science achievement by 10 points by spring 2026, will expand high-impact lessons and professional learning, and announced a resource adoption solicitation (Oct. 24–Nov. 24) with presentations Dec. 10–11 and public review Jan. 5–Feb. 6.

At the work session, Heather Tolliver of the district Leadership and Learning division presented the science program’s priorities and timeline. Tolliver outlined a goal to increase the district’s overall science weighted achievement score and content mastery by 10 points across elementary, middle and high school levels by spring 2026, using professional learning, three-dimensional science instruction and ongoing formative assessment cycles.

Tolliver described concrete supports: sample high‑impact, 30‑minute science lessons developed for grade 5 and a plan to expand similar lessons for grade 8 biology; science-focused walks and classroom observations; targeted professional learning days; PLC support; and short tools called "science sparks" for secondary teachers. She said the science team uses interim assessment data (administered in September, next round in December) and a rotation of targeted and monitored support for schools.

Tolliver also announced the science resource adoption timeline: the solicitation letter went live Oct. 24 and runs through Nov. 24; vendors will be notified Nov. 24 about presentations to the resource adoption committee scheduled Dec. 10–11; a public review of adoption materials will run Jan. 5 through Feb. 6.

Board members asked about vertical alignment, benchmarks, and whether teachers reteach identified gaps. Tolliver said the district collects interim data, conducts focused follow-up with school PLCs to develop aligned unit assessments and remediation plans, and coaches leaders to sustain instructional changes. She emphasized the limited size of the science team and that support is rotated based on need.

No formal vote was taken on curriculum adoption at the work session; the resource-adoption process includes public review in January and February.