Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts K–12 science curriculum maps; approves materials purchases
Summary
The board approved K–12 science curriculum maps and authorized recommended instructional materials and professional development, including elementary Mystery Science licenses and high‑school texts and kits, in a unanimous vote.
The Shawnee Heights Board of Education approved comprehensive K–12 science curriculum maps and authorized purchases of instructional materials tied to the new maps.
Elementary, middle and high school instructional leaders presented the maps, which align standards vertically across K–12 and include year‑long elementary units (K–6), banded middle‑school standards (6–8) and a suite of high‑school courses ranging from Biology to AP Chemistry, Physics and elective offerings such as Zoology and Human Anatomy. The board heard that vertical alignment and a focus on inquiry and science‑and‑engineering practices are central to the maps.
Staff asked for and received approval to purchase six‑year digital teacher licenses and initial classroom kits for the elementary Mystery Science platform, continue consumable FOSS kit support for middle school, and adopt McGraw Hill resources for high‑school science courses. The board approved the curriculum maps and material purchases on a 7–0 vote.
Administrators said Mystery Science consumables are expected to be cost‑comparable or lower than current per‑year consumable expenditures and that high‑school materials include a mix of physical textbooks and digital teacher materials. The district also received a $188,268 early childhood block grant from the Kansas Children’s Cabinet to continue at‑risk pre‑K services in 2026–27; staff noted the grant is competitive and supports staffing and program delivery.
