2006 PTO Endowment to Ashland Schools
The Ashland K-8 PTO recently gave an endowment to the Ashland K-8 Public Schools to assist with the implementation of a district-wide Grades 1-8 science program. The implementation plan is a response to the district’s need to align the Grades 1-8 science curriculum to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. In 2001, the Massachusetts Department of Education released the Massachusetts Science, Technology and Engineering Frameworks. Beginning with the class of 2010, students will be required to achieve a passing score on the Science MCAS to be awarded a diploma.
The following is a summation of the proposal given to the PTO:
Science curricula are one of the most costly curricula to implement. New programs initially require large quantities of non-consumable materials; equipment (microscopes, probes, etc), materials (simulations, instructional videos, etc.), and resources (books, databases, etc.) Moreover, many science materials and resources use technology-based hardware and software. At the elementary level, multiple sets of materials and equipment are needed so that, although teachers share, topics can be covered in a timely manner. In grades 6-8, the equipment and materials must be at a level of complexity and technology that adequately prepare students for a rigorous, state-of-the-arts, technology-based curriculum. The middle school science program faces an additional challenge. Upgrades and replacement of lab equipment had been deferred in anticipation of the move to the new high school. This deferral and the rapid changes in science instruction left the labs in need of significant upgrades and additions. At all grades non-fiction resource books and online databases for classroom and school libraries are also needed to support the newly identified element of inquiry-based science known as science literacy.
A science implementation also requires that teachers participate in extensive professional development. In order to fully implement a standards-based curriculum, teachers in grades 1-5 have need of professional development in content (topic) and pedagogy (teaching) and materials (use of equipment and technology.) Teachers in grades 6-8 have need of professional development in the use of inquiry-based instructional methods, multiple forms of assessment, and the newly complex tools and technology that are integrated into all new science instruction.
The PTO presented a check for approximately $30,000 for the above-mentioned equipment, materials, resources, and professional development to Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Wood and the School Committee, at their meeting on October 26, 2006.
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