District outlines new middle‑school “learning lab,” AP textbook reviews and digital renewals

Kelly (speaker 17) presented the teaching‑and‑learning update, summarizing recent parent education (a Dr. Peg Dawson webinar posted to the board YouTube channel), three special‑education parent workshops, and curriculum planning. Kelly said the district is proposing a new middle‑school course called a “learning lab” for grades 6–8 that would preserve elements of Project Wonder while emphasizing hands‑on, interdisciplinary units aligned to math, science and social studies standards.

On curriculum resources, Kelly said the district is reviewing AP textbook options and is ready to move forward with a replacement for AP Biology while continuing conversations about AP World History until timing issues (expected textbook updates) are resolved. She said most supplemental digital resources are purchased with grant funds; one renewal expected on the agenda was Discovery Mystery Science for elementary classrooms.

Tracy (speaker 18) summarized special education parent workshops including SibShops (sibling support), a secondary transition night tied to the high‑school college night, and a community resources session that included Office of Intellectual Disabilities and CLIU representatives. Administration said teacher vacancies are expected to be filled from existing staffing lines and that curriculum writing support will come via IU21 training.

Kelly said the district will post resource lists in the fall and anticipates some digital renewals will appear on upcoming board agendas. She recommended continuing training and phased implementation for new resources.