Middle School Science Materials Proposal

Middle School Science Materials ProposalJune 28, 2021

Kim Pavlovich, director of secondary curriculum, instruction and assessmentJohn Wolhaupter, science teaching and learning specialist

Secondary Science Study Committee

● Course changes and new materials phased in over thenext 3-4 years to meet the MDE science implementationtimeline and allow for expenses to be stretched acrossmultiple years.

● Recommended middle school materials search and pilotduring the 2020-21 school year.

● Reviewed pilot data and bringing recommendation forpurchase for use in the 2021-22 school year.

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Considerations

● Amplify most closely aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

● Material selected must incorporate engaging phenomena and storylines and embed 3D instructional practices into student learning.

● Materials selected must ensure equity for all students in science and provide accessible and meaningful experiences for all students.

Considerations:

● Materials must help students see themselves and people like themselves as scientists.

● Materials must provide functional and supportive resources for teachers and students.

● Materials must support teacher content and pedagogy knowledge in the new standards.

● Materials must integrate resources that support student learning through a variety of modalities.

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Considerations:

● Materials selected must be supported by teachers, students, and parents.○ Pilot evaluations○ CCAC○ SCAC○ Online “open house”

format

Sample: Jamboard with Committee Feedback

Considerations: Cost

Vendor Textbook (online subscription)

Materials (lab/supplies)

Professional Development

Total

Amplify $995,537.24 $45,088.44 $32,000$54,400 (gratis)

$1,072,625.68

McGraw-Hill (Inspire)

$1,053,962.23 $93,559.28 $72,500 (gratis) $1,147,521.51

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Recommendations:

● Amplify best meets the needs of Anoka Hennepin middle school science learners.

● Recommend adopt and purchase Amplify for the 2021-22 school year.

Recommendations:

Provide Professional Development for all middle school science teachers:● Practice using the platform.● Continued learning about the pedagogy shifts present

in Amplify and the new science standards.● Strategies for encouraging student discourse, including

leading Socratic Seminar discussions.● Ongoing support for teachers changing to a different

content area of science.

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Recommendations:

Summer Curriculum Writing:● providing a balance of on screen and off screen

activities, particularly lab and hands-on experiences.● pacing guidelines● modifications for SpED and EL learners.● writing assessments/editing tests● Standards Based Grading: Aligning the new materials

to proficiency scales, develop/upload rubrics, consistent grading practices

Timeline:

1. School Board decision on June 28, 2021.

2. Materials purchased July 1, 2021.

3. Training for teachers:● 1 Full day August 26, 2021● Half day September 1, 2021● Additional sessions each PD day 2021-22● Coaching sessions during 2021-22● Ongoing support in later years of the adoption

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Questions or commentsahschools.us

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