Newport News Public Schools Communities Committed to Learning

1
Science Update
Instructional Supervisors Janine Arsenault,
K-5 Sean Callender, 6-12
May 7, 2008
2
Benchmarks K-12 Science
Goal Student Preparedness

• Participation and mastery of a rigorous,
  comprehensive curriculum to include 21st
  technology
• Increase the SOL pass advanced rates in science
• Enrollment and success in honors and AP courses

3
Elementary Science Initiatives

• Revising curriculum and Quarterly Assessments to
  ensure tight alignment with state standards and
  vertical alignment of the curriculum K-5
• Providing training and ongoing support for lead
  teachers on the components of the NNPS
  Instructional Model, the use of the science
  curriculum, and on Science Best Practices
• Incorporating Career Pathways 21st Century
  skills references throughout all science units in
  Grades 2-5
• Purchasing childrens literature books to allow
  for integration of science instruction during the
  reading block
• Creating and/or purchasing aligned curriculum
  materials

4
Elementary SOL Results

• Highlights
• All elementary schools were accredited in science
• Grade 3 20 schools received a passing rate of
  80
• Grade 5 22 schools received a passing rate of
  80

5
Secondary Science Initiatives

• Staff development in schools to incorporate
  technology, scientific inquiry and hands on
  activities to make learning real.
• Ongoing review/revision and development of online
  curriculum and review/revision of Quarterly tests
• 21st century skills
• Common unit tests
• Implementation of revised SOLs
• Certification of all AP courses via College Board
  Audit
• Common syllabus, common quarterlies, and exams
• New supplemental materials
• Purchasing science literature books to allow for
  integration of science instruction during the
  reading block

6
Secondary SOL Results

• Highlights
• All secondary schools accredited in science
• MS Science continues to be a strong area
• HS All high schools scored 70 on EOC science
  tests

7
K - 12 Science Activities

• Measuring the temperature on a reaction

8
K 12 Science Activities
Measuring dissolved oxygen levels at Ragged Island