Beginning this school year, the new state mandated science curriculum went into effect.
Director of Secondary Education Mr. Andrew Rantz said that the new curriculum follows the “STEELS standard.” He said that STEELS stands for science, technology, engineering, environmental, literacy and sustainability.
He added that STEELS is a version of what’s called the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). He said that these standards are produced by the state.
Mr. Rantz said the state standard shifted in the 2021-2022 school year. “Those are a set of nationally recognized standards that have actually been around for a while, and we are one of the last states to adopt the science curriculum that follows the NGSS,” he added.
“The easiest way to put it is that it is much more of a phenomena and inquiry-based type of practice… Now the standards are more aligned to students figuring out science concepts through investigation and discovery,” he said.
Mr. Rantz said that the school district spent around $200,000 on resources, along with the many hours that teachers spent training.
He added that these state mandated changes are permanent and will not be changing anytime soon.
Science teacher Ms. Kathleen Bower said that this change requires students to do more critical thinking.
“It is harder for kids now because they have to think about things, whereas before they could just look up answers,” she explained. She added that this change reverses the way she teaches. The kids have to talk to her rather than her talking to them.
She said that students have to explain to teachers what they learn and talk through things rather than teachers just talking at them.
Ms. Bower said these changes made her students pay attention more. “Students can’t just punch things into a computer. They have to put things in their own words,” she added.
She said that she was not against the change and that it was for the better.
Mr. Rantz said that there are not currently any changes planned for other subjects.
