Science Materials Adoption - Recommendation

March, 2002

Course Content Area: Science

Grade Levels Included: Kindergarten – Sixth Grade

Publisher: McMillan/McGraw-Hill (text and hands-on kits)

Copyright: 2002

Publisher: Delta Education- FOSS (hands-on kits as appropriate)

Copyright: 2002

Introduction

A science curriculum alignment committee consisting of 20 representatives of grade levels kindergarten through sixth, special education and Title I have met since September 2000.

The first task of the committee was to review the Illinois Learning Standards in the content area of science. The committee created an RISD #41 science curriculum alignment document (aligned with the IL Learning Standards) that prescribed the goals and objectives to be taught at each grade level in the district. The committee will continue refining this document and will add assessments and activities as well. A draft of the curriculum alignment document can be viewed online at http://curriculum.risd41.org/committee/curriculum_alignment.htm .

The committee reviewed 9 different science materials/publishing companies using a committee created rubric and criteria rating form to evaluate each program. After all materials were evaluated, three companies were selected as finalists to present to the committee (McMillan/McGraw-Hill, Houghton-Mifflin and Delta Education’s FOSS). Building representatives on the committee then went back to their schools and asked teachers to review the two science programs that were rated the highest by committee members. Data, input and feedback were collected from teachers after reviewing the selected materials. The data was then collected, collated, analyzed and discussed among committee members before a consensus decision was made based on the data and discussion.

The Illinois Learning Standards are the backbone of the science curriculum in RISD#41. To support instruction based on the standards, the committee recommends the purchase of the McMillan/McGraw-Hill Science Program, 2002 for texts and hands-on kits. In addition, the committee recommends the adoption of Delta Education’s FOSS (Full Option Science System) hands-on modules/kits, 2002 (where appropriate).

What is the reliability of the publishers?

The McMillan/McGraw-Hill publishing company has been in existence for over 100 years and has a long history of successful science materials. Delta Education was developed with the support of the National Science Foundation and is widely used in many school districts. Both publishers are highly respected.

Is the information effectively presented for socially diverse students?

Both McMillan/McGraw-Hill and Delta Education materials present content information reflective of our community and nation. Data collected from the evaluation of these materials confirms this conclusion.

Are the program free of religious, gender, racial, and national origin bias?

Both products are free from religious, gender, racial and national origin bias. Data collected from the evaluation of these materials confirms this conclusion.

How does the new science program address the core values and school improvement plans for schools?

As stated in the core values, RISD41 is committed to increasing student achievement in all areas of the curriculum and is also committed to continuous improvement. It is the committee’s belief that the adoption of these recommended materials will assist students and staff in achieving at higher levels. It is also intended that these materials will replace outdated materials and will improve the alignment of instruction to the IL Learning Standards in science.

Describe how the new science program correlates with the Illinois Learning Standards?

The new program has been specifically developed by the publishers to correlate with national and state standards. Both companies have provided the district with a booklet that outlines the correlation to each Illinois Learning Standard in science.

How does this program improve upon the program it is replacing?

The recommended science adoption materials will improve the program they are replacing in three ways. 1.) The new materials are more closely aligned with the IL Learning Standards and will help direct classroom instruction to the standards, 2.) The new materials are updated and reflect current research and discoveries (which is crucial in the field of science) and 3.) The selection of both publishers will allow for a combined text and hands-on approach to teaching IL Learning Standards in science utilizing the strongest components of each program.

Have the program been successfully used in other districts?

Both programs have been successfully used in Districts around the state and nation. For example, the following districts are using one or both publishing companies recommended by this committee: Palatine, Springfield, St. Louis, Plainfield and Davenport to mention a few.

Are controversial issues addressed in the program?

Controversial issues are addressed with objectivity and consideration for the maturity level of the student. Data collected from the evaluation of these materials confirms this conclusion.

What is the cost of the program?

The total cost for the program is estimated at $195,000 for grades kindergarten through sixth.

What is the anticipated life of the program?

The anticipated life of the program is 6-8 years.

Please note- all science curriculum review committee agendas, documents, data and science adoption information is available on our web site at http://curriculum.risd41.org/committee/curriculum_alignment.htm

K-6 Science Materials – Recommended for Adoption

McMillan/McGraw-Hill Titles

Kindergarten/1^st Grade (Big Books) Learn About Your world Learn About Plants Learn About Animals A Home Called Earth Weather and Seasons Make Things Move Life Science Unit A Life Science Unit B Earth Science Unit C Earth Science Unit D Physical Science Unit E Physical Science Unit F

Pupil Editions (Student Text) Grade One Grade Two Grade Three Grade Four Grade Five Grade Six

Delta Education’s FOSS Titles

Food and Nutrition Environments Levers and Pulleys Mixtures and Solutions Solar Energy Landforms Models and Designs Variables Human Body Magnetism and Electricity Water Ideas and Inventions Structures of Life Physics of Sound

Earth Materials Measurement New Plants Insects Solids and Liquids Balance and Motion Air and Weather Pebbles, Sand and Silt Trees Animals two by two Wood Paper Fabric