WCS Prepares for Open Education Resource Science Project
Published April 6, 2017
The following is the second in a four part series written by WCS Assistant Superintendent of Teaching Learning and Assessment Tim Gaddis.
Williamson County Schools continues to prepare for the implementation of open education resource (OER) science curricula in 2018-2019. School districts that have implemented OER curricula share that the best times for districts to undertake this work is during state textbook adoption years and in years when states are adopting new standards. Both of these conditions are in place for Tennessee in 2018-2019.
How will the work be accomplished?
For the 2017-2018 school year a team of nine teachers will be placed on special assignment and have the opportunity to spend the year collaborating with each other and curriculum specialists from the Central Office. That team will revise the WCS science scope and sequences to match the new Tennessee science standards. They will then identify the instructional units and OER materials that support the units. Most materials will be digital, but there will also be some traditional paper resources as well. The team will assemble unit plans and materials that include background information, essential concepts for scientific learning, ideas for differentiating instruction, and sample assessments. Science teachers from throughout WCS will have many opportunities to review the work and make suggestions along the way. The final step before implementation will be intensive professional development for all science teachers, and that will occur in the summer of 2018.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Are teachers writing textbooks?
No, the science team will not be writing textbooks. Their job will be to collect materials that already exist and are available for use by school districts. They will analyze those materials to ensure that they are accurate, instructionally sound and appropriate for WCS students.
Will all science teachers have opportunities for input?
Yes. The team will build in opportunities for district science teachers to see the work along the way and provide feedback.
Will WCS maintain hands-on science?
Absolutely. One of the tasks the team will have along the way is to determine the materials that will be needed for hands-on learning experiences.
Will teachers still have the freedom to adapt their instruction to the specific needs of their own students?
Yes, they will have the same freedom they have now. While teachers are expected to follow the WCS scope and sequence, they are able to determine the best instructional strategies, pace of instruction and use of resources. OER materials will be used the same way teachers currently use their textbooks as resources.
Will WCS science content be influenced by special interest groups?
No, the team will follow the new Tennessee science standards, ensuring that the WCS scope and sequence directly addresses all content and skills outlined in those standards.