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U-46 board hears proposals to adopt OpenSciEd and launch an IB-aligned honors physical science course
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Summary
District presenters asked the School District U-46 board for approval to adopt OpenSciEd resources for chemistry and physics and to fund an Academy honors physical science course to better align the IB pathway; the proposals include professional learning and multi-year implementation plans.
District curriculum staff presented two linked curriculum proposals to the board on March 16: an Academy honors physical science course for the IB pathway at Elgin High and a districtwide adoption of OpenSciEd resources for chemistry and physics.
Deb McMullen and Frankie Valencia summarized the honors physical science proposal, which targets tenth graders in the IB pathway and aims to give sophomores an integrated laboratory year that bridges to three possible junior/senior pathways (chemistry, physics, environmental science). The board packet requests $75,722.07 charged to the education fund for materials, lab supplies and professional learning to implement the course in a phased timeline (26–27 pilot/professional learning; 27–28 full implementation).
The presenters also reviewed the chemistry and physics proposals to adopt the OpenSciEd open educational resource model across U-46 high schools. Administration recommended resources and job-embedded professional learning to align the district's instruction to NGSS and the district's science curriculum. The chemistry proposal listed a request of $174,299.64 (including materials and professional learning) and physics $147,724.56; presenters described expected per-pupil and consumable costs and said prior opt-in pilots informed the recommendation.
Board members asked about student guidance and timing for selecting pathways, concerns about teacher buy-in, and how the district will ensure professional learning supports consistent implementation. McMullen and Valencia said the proposals include coaching, common assessments and job-embedded support to monitor fidelity and student outcomes.
Next steps: Because the presentation covered two agenda items, the board will vote separately on each proposal; administrators asked the board to authorize execution of related purchase and implementation documents if approved.
