Elementary STEM Adoption

The Elementary CORE STEM Curriculum Adoption Committee spent the October 4th meeting thoroughly and thoughtfully evaluating five sets of core curriculum resources using the EQuIP rubric based on previously identified, research-based selection criteria. After sharing findings across grade levels and weighing the strengths of each resource, the Committee selected STEMscopes, Amplify, and Mystery Science. 

The Elementary STEM curriculum adoption committee met on November 18, 2019. Significant discussion was held around the strengths and weaknesses of the three curricula under consideration:  Amplify, Mystery Science and STEMscopes.  The group considered the criteria of Standards Alignment, Equitable Access and Learning, Teacher-friendly Instructional Support, Potential for Integration and Student-Driven/Hands On Experiences.  While it was a very difficult decision, the group reached 100% consensus to move Amplify and STEMscopes forward for field testing and possible adoption. We reached a consensus on the field test process and corresponding data that will be collected. Field testing will begin early December and conclude on March 20, 2020.  The committee will reconvene on April 2, 2020 to review the input and data from the field test and make a recommendation for which curriculum to be adopted.

Field testing

Our committee gathered to review preliminary data, discuss pilot experiences, and solidify the next steps in the adoption process for the Elementary Core STEM Adoption.  Teachers shared pros and cons of each curriculum, Amplify and STEMScopes.  The currently available data is almost a tie between the two.  We will continue to collect the remaining available data from piloting teachers.

Next Steps:

1. Meet in-person to complete the final data analysis and make a decision.

2. Complete remaining steps of the adoption process (IAC approval, parent feedback, board approval)

3. Plan and deliver Implementation professional learning to all teachers. This will likely happen in early 2021.  There are no plans for implementation training during Summer 2020.

4. Begin partial classroom implementation of new STEM Curriculum, full implementation in 2021-22 SY

As for this fall, Science Kits and curriculum that have been available to teachers in the past will continue to be available to teachers until we are ready to implement the newly approved curriculum.  Instructions for ordering kits and consumable materials will be forthcoming, probably in August.

The Elementary STEM Adoption Committee met on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, to review the data collected during the adoption and pilot process. We used that data to reach consensus on which curriculum to recommend to IAC and the School Board.  The data for both curricula was very close and the committee engaged in deep discussion of the pros and cons of each.  In the end, the committee reached consensus to recommend STEMscopes.  As we await Board approval, we will initiate an exploration of implementation plans.  If you have any questions about the selection process or are interested in participating in implementation planning, please contact Ashley Ortenzo at DLI.

Community preview and feedback collected. This process will take place online and during a Q & A session scheduled for November 5, 2020. 

STEMscopes recommendation approved by the Instructional Advisory Committee (IAC). 

Initial School Board presentation on the Elementary STEM Adoption Committee recommendation to adopt the STEMscopes curriculum for all kindergarten through fifth grade classroom teachers. 

School Board Presentation

School Board Review: December 10, 2020

Start planning for implementation. 
Interested in being a part of the implementation planning process? Please contact Ashley Ortenzo at ortenzoa@psd401.net.