Teaching-and-learning update: K–12 ELA review, new PLCs and expanded STEM offerings

Jody Goodhue presented the district's teaching-and-learning update, telling the committee the core curriculum review for the coming year will focus on K–12 English language arts. "We're going into our 3rd year using the HMH into reading in the elementary school," Goodhue said, and the district will conduct a K–12 review of ELA resources and evaluate whether materials are needed for grades 6–12.

Goodhue said the district reorganized curriculum coordinator positions and added several staff in those roles; secondary math and history electives will be reviewed and updated where needed. She described a new set of professional learning communities with neighboring districts (Manchester-Essex, Hamilton, Wenham and Georgetown) to allow specialist teachers to meet and share practice. On STEM, Goodhue said the high school is adding a Project Lead The Way "computer science essentials" course so students can progress through a computer science pathway; the middle school will offer a new elective, "computer science for innovators and makers." An anonymous donation will fund Crunch Labs build boxes that give each fifth grader a take-home kit during the year.

Committee members asked about Physics 1st and middle-school math; Goodhue said physics instruction is being aligned to MCAS and that new interactive physics bundles and notebooks will make lessons more hands-on. She said staff will return with more detail about course progress and curriculum review timelines.