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- Accept a Donation from the Reading Girls Soccer Parents Group <br />- Approval of Minutes (May 8, 2017) <br />C. New Business <br />Science Presentation <br />Assistant Superintendent Martin provided a brief overview of tonight's <br />presentation. He pointed out that the state framework is now in place. Students <br />need regular opportunities to experience dynamic, interdisciplinary nature of <br />science and technology/engineering. Our curriculum and instruction should instill <br />wonder in students about the world around them through engaging and exciting <br />learning experiences and students should develop a passion about the natural and <br />designed world and model the inquisitive, analytical, and skeptical nature of <br />science. These goals can only be achieved through a rich and varied STE <br />curriculum that includes thoughtful hands-on and minds -on activities, <br />laboratories, investigations, and design challenges. Mr. Martin pointed out that <br />the implementation will take time allowing time for teachers and administrators to <br />become familiar with the new standards and for teachers to become adept at new <br />approaches to instruction. This can be achieved with the ability to collaborate, <br />network and the formation of partnerships to be able to share successful <br />strategies. <br />There are 8 practices embedded at all levels which include the following: <br />✓ Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) <br />✓ Developing and using models <br />✓ Planning and carrying out investigations <br />✓ Analyzing and interpreting data <br />✓ Using mathematics and computational thinking <br />✓ Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for <br />engineering) <br />✓ Engaging in argument from evidence <br />✓ Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information <br />There are also overlaps of math, science and ELA content areas by design, <br />allowing students to strengthen skills in all areas by engaging in a higher order of <br />thinking. <br />Mr. Martin spoke about the new assessment which will occur over a three-year <br />period. This year, grades 5, 8 and high school students will be accessed on the <br />2001/2006 standards, in the 2017-18 school year grade 5 & 8 students will be <br />accessed on overlapping standards (2001/2006 and 2016). High school students <br />will continue to be assessed on the 2001/2006 standards. In 2018-19 grade 5 & 8 <br />will be assessed on the 2016 standards. The high school student's assessment tool <br />has not been determined at this point. <br />Elementary <br />Barrows principal Mrs. Leonard started by saying that the elementary schools <br />have been transitioning to the new standards and there has been positive feedback <br />P., 12 <br />