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Board accepts R2.1 science report after classroom science presentations
Summary
After student and teacher presentations on elementary and high-school science, the board voted unanimously to accept the R2.1 science academic-achievement report, which staff said shows the district is making reasonable progress on key indicators.
The Bismarck School Board voted to accept the district’s R2.1 science academic-achievement report March 24 after a series of classroom science presentations from elementary and high-school staff and students.
Elementary teacher Jeanette Sale introduced fifth-grade classroom work that highlighted Earth and space patterns, constellations and an engineering design project; two students described star trails, how shadows change with seasons and a hands-on rain experiment. Century High School teacher Mr. Barbrakan outlined high-school science offerings (AP physics, AP biology, AP chemistry and an AP environmental science course planned for next fall), dual-credit options and lab-based pedagogies intended to prepare students for college and AP assessments.
Dr. Ben Johnson, who presented the R2.1 academic-achievement science report, told the board the district is "making reasonable progress" on three indicators and that students outperformed or met state averages in some grades. He emphasized vocabulary alignment, inquiry-based learning and teacher collaboration as levers for improvement.
After the presentation, Board member Lee moved to accept the R2.1 science report as presented; the motion was seconded and passed on an affirmative vote.
Board members praised teachers and students for hands-on instruction and called out after-hours supports such as morning review sessions for AP students and community participation in science competitions.
What’s next: the district will continue curriculum alignment and professional learning to support science instruction and monitor performance on the R2.1 indicators.
