Board hears two curriculum proposals: AP Psychology textbook request and new Environmental Chemistry course

At a first review, the board heard two curriculum items: a textbook adoption request for the AP Psychology program and a proposal to create an Environmental Chemistry course.

Jamie Sherry, the district’s secondary social studies instructional leader, told the board the College Board significantly revised the AP Psychology curriculum and that the district’s current textbooks no longer prepare students for the updated exam format. She asked the board to adopt the Dr. Myers AP Psychology edition, citing its alignment with the new emphasis on scientific studies and document-based questions, and requested 90 student textbooks (which would include two teacher editions and access to online question banks). Sherry said the current listed price per textbook is $59.98; she also requested professional development time to align instruction to the revised exam. Board members asked about enrollment projections and where the requested $15,000 for related costs would be budgeted; Sherry indicated planned budget and fundraising sources would be pursued.

Jim Stoel (science instructional leader) and Derrick Flynn (physics/chemistry teacher) proposed an Environmental Chemistry course designed as a conceptual, NGSS-aligned alternative for college-prep students who struggle with the math intensity of traditional Chemistry 1. They outlined a scope and sequence organized around real-world phenomena (nuclear energy, batteries, water resources, human impacts and climate) and proposed piloting the course at the college-prep level with potential future honors sections. A textbook estimate was cited as $159 per copy and 100 copies would total approximately $15,900 delivered; the presenters said curriculum-writing hours and pilot planning would also be needed. No formal approvals were taken; both items will return for further review.