By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
After an outcry from parents and a less-than-stellar curriculum review from OCM BOCES, the Baldwinsville Central School District has revamped its middle-level math and science curriculum.
Last summer, the district announced that all seventh-graders would be required to take accelerated math and science classes to prepare them to take Regents Algebra 1 and Regents Earth Science in the 2016-17 school year.
Now, the plan has changed once again: Seventh-graders will have the option of taking an accelerated or non-accelerated math course and eighth-graders may choose between the non-accelerated Science Investigations course or the Regents-level Living Environment course. All seventh-graders will take a new STEM course to support their math learning.
Deputy Superintendent Joe DeBarbieri said the new structure allows “on and off ramps” for students to better match their ability levels. DeBarbieri said the new curricula also address the state standards BOCES found missing in its curriculum review earlier this spring.
DeBarbieri said the district is “in a good place” with the new curriculum structure.
“I think a lot of it has to do with the teachers are feeling good with the supports the district is providing and they’ve had a huge say in designing the curriculum,” he said.
Parents of Ray Middle School students will soon receive word as to whether their children will qualify for the accelerated math track. Students must receive an average of 85 to be recommended, but DeBarbieri said students can opt in or “challenge in” to the accelerated course.
Read on for the new curriculum structures:
