Educators from Ardsley, Briarcliff Manor, Ridgefield, CT, Scarsdale, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Bronxville, Byram Hills, Hewlett-Woodmere, North Shore, and Mamaroneck visited 
South Orangetown for a follow-up Consultancy as a part of a comprehensive review our Science and Engineering Program K-12. Some of the essential questions the team studied were:
- To what extent does the K-12 science curriculum support cross-cutting concepts, process skills, engineering integration, and real-world application (NGSS)To what extent are we preparing all of our students to be scientifically literate citizens to understand global issues?
- To what extent do we present evidence of curriculum and instructional strategies that enable our students to build capacity for and apply critical thinking skills?
- To what extent are the professional learning activities and opportunities provided for teachers supported and directly linked to established district initiatives? (i.e. 21st Century Skills, IDE, Growth Mindset, Teaching to diversified learners…?)
- In what ways do we communicate and involve families and the community in our science program?
The visiting team was impressed with the level of integration of the NGSS standards, particularly the Earth and Space, Climate Literacy, and Engineering practices.
The review helped us identify two key areas to focus on as we move forward:
- The long-term effects of ability grouping on student performance.
- Improve the alignment of our assessment practices to the written and taught curriculum.
A special thank you to Samantha Levine and Brian Newburger, Instructional Science Coaches, and the Science Leadership Team for planning and coordinating the Tri – State review.You can view the entire presentation by clicking here.You can also access some of the videos we shared on Robotics, STEAM Camp, and PBL on our Curriculum and Instruction website
