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Curriculum leaders report on new math, device use and AI policy; special education and counseling staffing discussed
Summary
Primary- and secondary-level curriculum leaders reviewed implementation of a new K–3 math curriculum, digital platforms (AIMSweb, IXL), Turnitin use to flag AI/plagiarism, and science and special-education programming; special-education vans and counseling staffing needs were highlighted.
Curriculum and program leaders updated the Mars Area School District board on instructional changes, digital learning tools, staff training and student-support services.
Primary Center: Michelle McKee, the primary center curriculum leader, said the district completed the first year of a new digital math curriculum for kindergarten and first grade, used AIMSweb Plus benchmark assessments three times a year to monitor growth, and engaged families through events and community partnerships including a donated inflatable planetarium. She said staff will complete spring assessments in the week following the meeting.
ELA and AI policy: Darcy Silva, 7–12 English language arts curriculum leader, described a literature-list update and efforts to teach students ethical uses of artificial intelligence. Silva said the department is using Turnitin to help detect plagiarism and possible AI-generated content and plans to add language to syllabi making clear that presenting AI content as original work will be treated as plagiarism.
Digital platforms and devices: Board members and staff discussed the use of IXL and other online resources. A parent and some staff raised concerns that adaptive platforms can become more difficult as students miss items; other speakers said the platforms provide useful remediation. Leaders reported the district has one-to-one devices in some primary classrooms (iPads) and that teachers use a mix of digital and consumable materials.
Science, special education and counseling: Tom Emhart described rolling out new STEEL science standards and Planet Foundation grants that funded physics lab equipment. Mike Del Duca (special education) reported roughly 600 special-education students in the district, described IEP and reevaluation cycles, and noted continued emphasis on community-based work experiences and the convenience of leased vans for trips. Stephanie Van Cleef (K–12 people services) said growth in enrollment increased scheduling pressure, that the district trained 13 new student-assistance staff members this year, and that interviews for a school nurse, behavior analyst and licensed professional counselor are expected at month-end.
Why it matters: changes to curriculum, device policy and AI guidance affect classroom practice and assessments; staffing for nursing, clinicians and special-education supports is tied to student safety and service continuity.
Next steps: departments will continue to align K–3 math pacing, evaluate device and platform impacts, and coordinate any Turnitin/AI policy language for inclusion in handbooks or syllabi as appropriate.
