Board hears recommendation to adopt Mystery Science for K–5; 6–8 teachers recommend keeping Amplify

District staff presented the instructional materials committee's recommendation to approve Mystery Science as the district's K–5 science curriculum after a year-long review, pilot implementation across elementary classrooms, teacher feedback and community review. The presenter said the materials ‘‘have increased consistency and usage’’ and that the committee is requesting board action to approve Mystery Science for K–5.

For grades 6–8, teachers who piloted alternative materials reported that those pilot materials were labor intensive and inconsistent in lesson length and depth; the 6–8 team recommended remaining with the current Amplify curriculum. Presenters described a crosswalk between Mystery Science units and newly adopted literacy materials to help teachers integrate science and literacy instruction.

Assistant Superintendent Megan Dawson moved to adopt the K–5 recommendation as presented; a board member seconded the motion. Presenters noted that some related policy changes are part of the district's critical package and indicated final adoption would follow standard notice and vote procedures. No binding, final adoption vote on K–5 materials was recorded on the transcript at this meeting.

Board members asked questions about implementation supports, training and next steps; staff said training is planned and that the instructional materials committee will provide supporting documentation to the board.