District details new science standards and computer science pathways; teachers note exam-length and staffing implications

At the Nov. 19 meeting, Jen Gonyea, the district's K–12 Science and Technology Supervisor, described the district's implementation of the New York State-adopted three-dimensional science standards (aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards). She noted the shift to cluster-based Regents exams and the addition of chemistry and physics Regents; mandatory investigations (three per content area) and a 1,200-minute laboratory requirement remain part of graduation expectations.

Gonyea said the new exams are longer and more complex, with clustered items that require students to interpret multi-layer diagrams and provide evidence-based reasoning. "Students spent — many students had difficulties completing the exam," she said, and staff are both advocating at state levels (through regional networks) and adjusting instructional practice to teach clearer modeling, claim–evidence–reasoning strategies and pacing.

In a paired presentation, the district's computer science lead reported on curricular pathways established since 2015–16, including dual-enrollment arrangements with Siena College (software development course aligned with AP Computer Science A) and a range of tech and math electives. Enrollment rose from 1.4% of students taking CS classes at program start to 7.6% currently, with a peak of about 13.1% in 2022–23. The department faces staffing constraints — the presenter noted the department is effectively a single full-time teacher for CS courses and some planned classes (web design) have not run due to low enrollment. Board members asked about outreach to female students and underrepresented groups; presenters cited partnerships (Women Who Code) and classroom presentations by the Computer Science Honor Society as active steps.