Banks School District advances plan for a common high-school science sequence

At a Feb. 9 Banks School District board work session, staff announced a proposal to move to a common high-school science sequence intended to ensure that all students receive instruction aligned to the Oregon State Science Standards.

"To better support student learning and ensure access to standards-aligned instruction for all students, we are planning to move to a common science course sequence for all students," wrote Caitlin Everett, the district's Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning and Banks Middle School principal, in the materials presented to the board. The proposal frames three core courses across the high-school years and optional elective fourth credits.

The presentation described two curriculum-aligned pathways under review. Option 1, using Patterns High School Science for All, is a Physics-first sequence: 9th grade Physics, 10th grade Chemistry, and 11th grade Biology or AP Biology. Option 2, using OpenSciEd, is a Biology-first sequence: 9th grade Biology, 10th grade Chemistry, and 11th grade Physics. In both options, presenters said Earth and Space Science standards would be integrated across the three core courses.

Staff told the board the proposal is driven by a need to ensure that the district’s three required science credits collectively cover all state standards and to build an instructional progression that supports rigor and opportunities for AP coursework. Slides cited other districts’ post-adoption data, saying course-failure rates declined and AP enrollment and passage increased after similar changes.

The materials outline a phased implementation tied to forecasting and graduation cohorts. For the coming year, current high-school freshmen would take Chemistry whether the district selects Patterns or OpenSciEd (because both place Chemistry in the 10th grade). Staff said course options and elective lists would be finalized before student forecasting for the next school year, and AP Biology would be offered for qualified students in the 2027–28 school year.

Next steps shown in the presentation include teacher review and pilots, CCAC (Curriculum Advisory Committee) feedback in March–April, and a formal curriculum recommendation to the board after pilot review. Staff also announced a family survey and a curriculum night to collect community input prior to any adoption vote.