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Teachers detail summer overhaul of Earth and Space science curriculum
Summary
District teachers described summer work to align Earth and Space Science standards across grades, expand assessment banks, and add three-dimensional instruction (content, science/engineering practices, crosscutting concepts) to better prepare students for Regents-style questions.
Teachers presented a multi-grade effort on Oct. 9 to revise Earth and Space Science instruction and assessments ahead of state exams.
A teacher-presenter explained that after reviewing June and August Regents materials, the team found differences in question style and distribution of standards; the June exam, she said, was unevenly distributed across standards compared with August. To address that, the team expanded its question bank, added mini formative assessments and adjusted labs to emphasize science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts.
"We saw a big discrepancy between the two regents as well," the presenter said, describing how the August test applied the reference table and presented a more even distribution of standards. The team said summer work included collaborating with BOCES and higher-education partners and creating vertical-alignment resources so students encounter key vocabulary and practices from PK–12.
Teachers described concrete classroom changes: vocabulary journals, revised modules and labs, and new, shorter unit assessments to give teachers more frequent information about student understanding. The presenters also noted ongoing professional development sessions and invited outside presenters to give staff training on generative AI and instructional approaches.
Board members thanked staff for the work and noted continued implementation and PD would be critical as the district refines materials and assessment alignment.
