Teachers favor Savvas 'Experience Chemistry' for district sophomore chemistry; board hears rollout and costs

A team of Bend‑LaPine science teachers told the school board Feb. 10 they recommend adopting Savvas Experience Chemistry for the district’s sophomore chemistry course following a pilot that compared it with Patterns chemistry.

Colleen Barrons, a teacher on special assignment who led the adoption process, said teachers piloted both curricula in the fall and selected Savvas for its structured 5E instructional model, differentiated lab options and digital and print materials. Teachers described four versions of labs that allow teachers to tailor investigations by student readiness while keeping a phenomenon‑driven storyline to center units.

‘‘They lay out exactly what students need to do in a very clear way, and there are a plethora of materials to help support students who need extra practice or who need extra challenge,’’ teacher Arden Van Beek said. Julie McCabe, who piloted both curricula, described Savvas as shifting the teacher’s role from ‘‘tour guide’’ to ‘‘personal trainer’’ — specific goals, repeated practice, and clearer assessment points.

Board members pressed on pathway and sequencing concerns for IB and AP students. Dean Richards and teacher presenters said schools can maintain AP and IB pathways; some students may double up or take AP chemistry later in the program. The team said Savvas aligns to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and that course sequence adjustments and pre‑IB chemistry options will support advanced students.

Implementation questions focused on training and costs. Presenters said Patterns is available without a publisher fee but requires more extensive district training; Savvas includes both print textbook and digital resources and was negotiated with the vendor. The district acknowledged recurring restocking and lab supply costs and said the adoption team considered total cost of ownership during evaluation.

Teachers and directors discussed hands‑on labs versus digital simulations; the presenters said the majority of activities are hands‑on with some simulation support. The adoption team proposed a common district scope and sequence, common assessments and coordinated training to support standards‑based grading in September.

What happens next: The school leadership will bring implementation plans, professional development timelines and cost details to upcoming meetings for board review and next‑year rollout planning.

Representative quote: ‘‘We chose Savvas overwhelmingly after piloting both curricula,’’ the adoption team said.