David Douglas board approves purchase of LabAids middle‑school science materials after teacher‑led pilot

The David Douglas School Board voted May 8 to approve the district’s purchase of LabAids middle‑school science materials following a multi‑semester pilot and teacher review. The board authorized the purchase "not to exceed $470,000," and a roll call vote recorded board members in favor.

District staff and a teacher adoption committee described a two‑year process that included teacher focus groups, student surveys, publisher training, and piloting. "We surveyed over 3,200 students in grades 3 through 12" for curriculum preferences and incorporated industry partner input into a district science vision, said Carrie Foster, a K‑12 curriculum staff member involved in the adoption process.

Teachers who piloted LabAids reported that the program emphasizes hands‑on, phenomenon‑driven lessons and routines that ask students to analyze data and explain real‑world problems. "There were lots of on‑ramps and things that were interesting to students so that kids could be involved with class discussions," said Jessica Robbins, a Floyd Light Middle School science teacher who piloted the curriculum. "Our pilot unit ... engaged students in the science practices of explaining phenomena and solving problems."

Stephanie Wallace, the presenter for LabAids, said the program is built around real‑world “issues” and that roughly two‑thirds of instructional time is devoted to screen‑free, hands‑on activities such as labs, investigations and modeling. Presenters noted LabAids is already used in other Oregon districts and includes teacher resources, online support videos and prepackaged, classroom‑ready materials.

Board discussion acknowledged the adoption process and the presenters’ emphasis on equity and student engagement. The board moved and seconded the purchase motion; a roll call confirmed approval. No motion to delay or reduce the purchase amount was recorded.

District staff said procurement, teacher training and material distribution will follow board approval; staff emphasized they had added publisher‑led training during the pilot so teachers could implement materials correctly. Teachers on the adoption committee said students responded positively in pilots and that the materials supported the Next Generation Science Standards’ emphasis on practices, cross‑cutting concepts and phenomena.

Board members praised the committee’s work and the pilot data before voting to approve the purchase.