Westwood outlines curriculum pilots and pauses science review pending state assessments

At its June 4 meeting the Westwood School Committee received a multi‑department curriculum update that covered pilot programs, audits and adjustments to the review cycle.

Caitlyn (presenter) described a K–5 literacy pilot: teacher teams at Sheen (EL curriculum) and Pine Hill (art core) will pilot new materials, while MJ and Downey have smaller teacher‑team participation. Selected pilot schools were chosen for teacher readiness and to concentrate professional development resources.

The guidance review — audited in partnership with MASA — has completed a program audit and the steering committee began prioritizing recommendations, including additional parent and student participation in the steering group. Visual and performing arts reviews continued; visual arts will re‑start with interim director Zoe Johnson in the fall, and performing arts identified three‑to‑four priority areas for next‑year work.

Caitlyn said the planned science and engineering review will be postponed to 2027 to align with state assessment rollout and avoid premature curricular changes while new MCAS/MCCAST tasks are being phased in.

Why it matters: The literacy pilot determines classroom materials and professional development investments and the guidance and arts audits feed prioritized action steps for next year. Pausing the science review reflects a preference to align curriculum review to stable state assessment expectations.

What’s next: The district will share pilot information with families in the fall (back‑to‑school nights), reconvene the guidance steering group and restart visual arts programming review with new leadership in the fall. Science and engineering will be placed on the 2027 review calendar.