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Board approves STEMscopes science curriculum for Court and Community Schools
Summary
The Board approved STEMscopes for Court and Community School programs, hearing staff explain yearlong coverage, Lexile‑level options, and cost estimates ranging from ~$34 per student for kits to $2,500–$7,000 per year for site subscriptions.
The San Mateo County Board of Education unanimously approved the STEMscopes science curriculum for Court and Community School programs on June 11.
Coordinator Laura Codicetti explained the platform covers a full year of science instruction, offers three reading‑access options and text‑to‑speech, and allows teachers to select Lexile levels from a content library. "The curriculum provides options for students who are at or above grade level to access more advanced learning materials," she said, noting its flexibility for multi‑grade classrooms.
Associate Superintendent Kris Shouse provided cost context: reusable kits average about $34 per student (roughly $1,300 per site for some kit packages), while subscription licenses can range from $2,500 to $7,000 per year. Staff said publishers offer flexibility to support transient student populations and minimize repeat purchases. After discussion, a motion by Susan Alvaro, seconded by Mike O’Neill, carried 6–0 with one absent (Torres).
