Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Robinson reviewed the consent agenda and asked if any members would like <br />any items removed from the consent agenda. <br />• Accept Donations to RMHS — Target Take Charge of Education & <br />Conference Room Chairs from Carol R. Johnson Associates <br />• Accept a Donation from the Wood End PTO — to support Art, Physical <br />Education and Music <br />Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to approve the consent <br />agenda. The motion carried 6 -0. <br />C. New Business (out of order) <br />New Science Curriculum Presentation <br />Mr. Martin thanked the Curriculum leaders and administrators that were in <br />attendance. <br />He explained that the state has adopted the new framework for science which is <br />inquiry-based and hands -on. Students need regular opportunities to experience <br />dynamic, interdisciplinary nature of science and technology /engineering. The <br />curriculum and instruction should instill wonder in students about the world <br />around them through engaging and exciting learning experiences. <br />This year we have been piloting the Know Atom curriculum at grade 5 and <br />selected other levels and we have partnered and collaborated with other districts <br />to discuss best practices. A decision on the new curriculum will not be made until <br />early June. <br />The new standards incorporate all science practices which are asking questions III <br />and defining the problem, developing and using models, planning and carrying' <br />out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematical and <br />computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, <br />engaging in argument from evidence and obtaining, evaluating and <br />communicating information. It is important to start the process of mastering <br />STEM inquiry in the early elementary years. Mr. Martin explained that there are <br />several commonalities among the practices of Science, Mathematics and English <br />Language Arts. <br />Mr. Gillies arrived at 7:18 p.m. <br />Mrs. Marchant and Kim Peterson, Parker teacher, presented information on the', <br />middle school implementation. The middle school PLC has developed into a , <br />great collaborative group. The collaboration is allowing the teachers to get <br />comfortable with the standards. They have created a digital platform with all <br />resources and materials. The middle schools science instruction will be moving <br />to hands on, inquiry based approach. The new framework will be implemented) <br />with the grade 6 students who will have experience with Know Atom. <br />Mrs. Marchant explained that the decision has not been made as to which <br />curriculum to use at the middle school level. The goal is to select a program that <br />will align with the new science standards as well as the MA Literacy Standards. <br />Page 1 2 <br />