April 5, 2018 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Curriculum Committee Meeting

Summary of the Briefing:

• The Stemscopes program is written by Rice University  and is the only program written from the ground up addressing the NGSS standards.

• Every NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea, Crosscutting Concept (i.e.  Patterns; Cause and Effect; Scale, Proportion, and Quantity; Systems and System Models; Energy and Matter; Structure and Function; and Stability and Change), and Science & Engineering Practice is covered (1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information)

• Each Stemscopes module has hands-on activities, including project-based learning, engineering solutions, and virtual investigations which support an environment of inquiry and discourse

• Claim-evidence-reasoning assessments are incorporated into the program  

• Launching this program K-5 and now moving it to Grades 6-8 allows for vertical alignment of instruction and assessment

• Stemscopes supports our Strategic Plan in providing systematic and sustained opportunities for authentic STEM experiences so that students can develop critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Stemscopes is a digital resource and updates all cloud-based resources in real time

• All resources and assessments are housed in one location for easy access.

• Total cost of the 6-8 program (digital subscriptions and kits) is $22,213.75

Summary of the Briefing:

Per the sealofbiliteracy.org website:

• The Seal of Biliteracy encourages students to be biliterate and prepares students for college and future careers.

• The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation (English being one of them).

• Proficiency will be determined in the following ways:

  • Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by successfully completing all of the English requirements at BHS.

  • Students must also demonstrate proficiency through an approved test- either Advanced Placement Exam or the Assessment for Performance toward Proficiency in Languages- AAPPL.

• Each AAPPL test costs $20 per student.  We anticipate approximately 30 students taking this test.

• If students are proficient in two or more languages, they will receive the Seal of Biliteracy on their transcripts and will be awarded a certificate from the school.