While school officials are chewing over information from the recent math curriculum review, they are also preparing to embark on a review of science.##M:[more]##
The district has sent out request for proposals to consultants to conduct a program review of its kindergarten through 12 grade science program. According to the bids, the primary role of the external consultants will be to work with an internal task force to envision a model science program for the district’s students.
The program review committee will include faculty members, parents, students, administrators, and members of the school board. The external consultants will be responsible for visiting and interviewing the staff at all schools and help the committee develop parent, student, and faculty surveys. The consultant will also conduct focus groups with district parents, science staff, school board members, students, and recent graduates, and ultimately develop an implementation plan for recommendations.
Examples of the types of bidders the district is looking for including a public or private education organization, an ad hoc research and consulting group, or an individual who serves as a prime contractor. School officials said they will also consider bidders with university affiliation, as well as those who have successfully published in professional peer-reviewed journals. The external consultant must have experience with comparable program reviews, focus group facilitation, and community presentations, and must have experience in science instruction as a teacher and as an administrator.
Proposals are due back on October 15, and school officials expect to have a decision on the consultant to hire by Monday, November 10.
School Board President Hemant Marathe said the process for the science curriculum is the same as it was for all curriculum reviews, including the math review that was just completed.
“It’s just that the time for science review has come up,” Marathe said. “When the proposals come in, we will evaluate them and choose a person to do the review.”
It is typical for the district to hire an external consultant to help with any curriculum review, Marathe said. Math Foundations, LLC was hired by the board for its math review, which began in August, 2006, and concluded last month with a list of recommendations for a reworking of the curriculum.
