K–8 Science Curriculum Open House Jan. 22–23
Parents, educators and community members are invited to learn about and give feedback on new science curriculum options for 4J elementary and middle schools at a science adoption open house.
Multiple curriculum options will be available for review and feedback on Friday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the 4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe St., in the Mozart Room.
Eugene School District 4J will soon adopt new science curriculum for grades K–8, using bond funds approved by voters in 2013. New materials could be in use as soon as next fall.
4J science curriculum in grades K–8 is kit-based, with kits consisting of laboratory equipment, texts, non-fiction reading materials and teacher materials. The process to select new K–8 science materials has been underway for more than a year. Dozens of teachers across the district have participated in piloting materials aligned to Oregon’s new science standards (New Generation Science Standards / NGSS) and provided feedback to help select the potential curricula to recommend.
High school science curriculum updates will be considered next. The high school science curriculum adoption team will pilot curricula in physical science, earth science, space science, biology, chemistry and physics next school year (2016–17) and provide a recommendation for curriculum to be implemented as early as fall 2017.
Teachers and other members of the district adoption team will be at the open house to talk about the adoption process, the curriculum piloted by 4J teachers, and the resulting top curriculum choices under consideration.
Feedback gathered at the open house will be considered in the next steps of the adoption process.
4J School Bond Measure: In May 2013, voters in Eugene School District 4J resoundingly passed a bond measure to provide funding for 4J school improvements. The bond measure is paying for improvements at every 4J school, including updated science curricula and other instructional materials, new student technology, security upgrades, and building repairs, as well as replacing four of the district’s oldest, most inefficient school buildings. (Learn more)
