New London committee recommends three theatre curricula and discusses world language goals, Open SciEd rollout

The New London Board of Education Curriculum Committee on Aug. 20 voted to recommend three theatre courses—Advanced Technical Theater, Advanced Acting and Theatre Arts—to the full board, and heard updates on world language frameworks, an Open SciEd science curriculum pilot and summer curriculum development work.

Committee members Nathan Caron and Bianca Alexis-Sylvain moved and seconded the three theatre curriculum recommendations; each motion carried 2-0. The committee also approved minutes from its June 18 meeting earlier in the session.

Why it matters: The committee’s approvals move these course curricula to the full Board of Education for final action; the discussion of world language goals and Open SciEd signals district priorities for student proficiency and science instruction ahead of the school year.

Curriculum approvals and votes The committee approved motions to forward the Advanced Technical Theater, Advanced Acting and Theatre Arts curricula to the full board for consideration. Each motion was made by Nathan Caron and seconded by Bianca Alexis-Sylvain; recorded outcomes were 2-0 in favor. The meeting record shows no dissenting votes; Committee Chair Danni Cruz was listed as absent.

World language framework Laurelle Texidor, the district’s Director of Academics, described the district’s world language framework as proficiency-oriented, emphasizing listening, speaking, reading and writing. Texidor noted that Connecticut requires one year of world language for graduation but said the district hopes students will pursue multiple years and work toward the Seal of Biliteracy at graduation.

Open SciEd rollout and summer curriculum work Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hills-Papetti reported that Open SciEd materials have been shared with teachers and that some staff began piloting the curriculum late last school year, with generally positive responses. "Some began to roll out the curriculum at the end of last year and loved the curriculum," Hills-Papetti said. She added that middle- and high-school teachers will receive professional development in the coming weeks and that teacher books were purchased as physical resources even though the materials are open source; the district maintains a year-to-year contract for the program.

Hills-Papetti also said 26 staff members worked on curriculum development across grade levels over the summer. She credited Ms. Lura Hepler with leading development and curation of the theatre curriculum materials presented to the committee. Hills-Papetti said she presented only the work completed to date.

Next steps and closing The committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the full New London Board of Education for final consideration. Committee members thanked staff for the work; the meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. and minutes were submitted by Kristea A. Francolino, Manager of Executive Support Services.