Levittown details curriculum shifts: new K–5 ELA, career exploration at elementary level, and one‑year pilots for Magma Math
March 04, 2024 | LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York
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The Levittown Board of Education’s planning session included an extended curriculum presentation March 6 in which Director Dr. Zarianas described multiple instructional initiatives for 2024–25.
"Our paramount focus remains on cultivating success for every student," Dr. Zarianas said, noting the district moved from Houghton Mifflin Journeys to Into Reading in grades K–5 and added foundations and Hegarty supports for early grades to strengthen phonics and phonemic awareness.
Zarianas said the district will expand a K–5 instructional coaching model, has administered a nationally normed climate survey for students and staff, and will continue professional development with outside consultants. The district is also transitioning to ParentSquare for family communications and has relaunched adult continuing education, which organizers say is running budget‑neutral.
Looking ahead, the curriculum office proposed several new electives for high schools, including college anatomy and physiology, marine biology, a basic small‑engine/car maintenance course and classes on personal branding and real estate. Zarianas said an Anatomage virtual anatomy table — cited at a cost in the low hundreds of thousands for multiple tables — is being explored through grants or the Levittown Educational Foundation.
On math instruction, the district will pilot Magma Math for grades 6–8 under a one‑year license to support inquiry and problem‑solving practice. "We did a one‑year license, nothing extended, so that if we find out at the end of the year it wasn't what we thought it was going to be, we don't have to stick to the commitment," Zarianas said.
Zarianas also described library refurbishments (new flexible furniture and curated collections) and a new elementary career exploration special that will replace the current literacy‑center class; the course will be aligned to the national career cluster framework and include digital‑fluency standards.
Board members asked about the evidence base for Magma Math and new electives and requested follow‑up presentations; Zarianas said subject‑area directors and teachers will report back as pilots progress.
"Our paramount focus remains on cultivating success for every student," Dr. Zarianas said, noting the district moved from Houghton Mifflin Journeys to Into Reading in grades K–5 and added foundations and Hegarty supports for early grades to strengthen phonics and phonemic awareness.
Zarianas said the district will expand a K–5 instructional coaching model, has administered a nationally normed climate survey for students and staff, and will continue professional development with outside consultants. The district is also transitioning to ParentSquare for family communications and has relaunched adult continuing education, which organizers say is running budget‑neutral.
Looking ahead, the curriculum office proposed several new electives for high schools, including college anatomy and physiology, marine biology, a basic small‑engine/car maintenance course and classes on personal branding and real estate. Zarianas said an Anatomage virtual anatomy table — cited at a cost in the low hundreds of thousands for multiple tables — is being explored through grants or the Levittown Educational Foundation.
On math instruction, the district will pilot Magma Math for grades 6–8 under a one‑year license to support inquiry and problem‑solving practice. "We did a one‑year license, nothing extended, so that if we find out at the end of the year it wasn't what we thought it was going to be, we don't have to stick to the commitment," Zarianas said.
Zarianas also described library refurbishments (new flexible furniture and curated collections) and a new elementary career exploration special that will replace the current literacy‑center class; the course will be aligned to the national career cluster framework and include digital‑fluency standards.
Board members asked about the evidence base for Magma Math and new electives and requested follow‑up presentations; Zarianas said subject‑area directors and teachers will report back as pilots progress.
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