Board reviews new high-school data-science textbook and course plan; equity and device-use questions raised

Wauwatosa staff recommended 'Introduction to Data Science' as the primary resource for a new high-school data-science course that the district approved for the 2026–27 school year. The textbook and accompanying executive summary were posted for a two-week public review before the board considers final adoption June 22.

Staff described a multi-step vetting process that included a decision-rubric, a review by teachers who will teach the course, and a National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) tool evaluation for need, fit, capacity, usability and supports. Instruction staff said they narrowed a field of resources to two finalists and selected the primary resource through systematic decision-analysis.

Trustees raised questions about how the new course supports broader district math initiatives and whether classroom device policies create equity concerns. One trustee asked how the district ensures students who lack personal devices can participate; staff said most labs will run on Chromebooks and R Studio available on district hardware, and where personal-phone data-collection lessons exist a paper option will be provided. Staff emphasized labs and hands-on problem-solving are core elements and that the course is aligned to standards that permit it to award math credit.

Staff reported initial enrollment interest — about 45 students at West and 16 at East during an earlier run — and said the district will provide counselors and consistent course descriptions to help students and families understand eligibility, concurrent enrollment options and pathways this course supports.

The district will return June 22 with formal approval language and a finalized scope and sequence for the course.