This year, science experiments will look a little different in Gwen Wellsandt's fifth-grade classroom.
"Science is about wondering," said Wellsandt. Something Omaha Public Schools elementary students will experience thanks to our district's investment in new curriculum materials and resources.
"These new materials are colorful and beautiful," Wellsandt added. "Every unit, every module and every lesson opens with phenomena, which is that wondering piece."
The new science materials offer engaging, hands-on activities. They incorporate digital labs and workbooks to make the lessons more interactive and accessible. Wellsandt says she is excited for students to see lessons come to life.
"Every child deserves to see themself as a scientist," she said. "The updated materials provide current data and information that is accurate and also reflects the demographics of our district."
Science is one of many curriculum updates Omaha Public Schools staff will implement this year thanks to Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. Funding covered new materials for K-12 computer science and art, new science resources for elementary students, and updated curriculum for English language arts (ELA), reading, and English learner support for secondary students. All curriculum is consistent districtwide and aligned with state standards.
"Our district prioritized ESSER funding to ensure that we are getting curriculum in the hands of our students," said Susan Christopherson, Omaha Public Schools chief academic officer. "I think that speaks to our priority of investing in our students and their experiences in the classroom."
Bluestem Middle 6th grade teacher Nikki Johnson is preparing for students to use the new ELA curriculum. Features include an online platform paired with a workbook, allowing for digital and paper-based learning. Our district also adopted an online tool for writing and grammar lessons.
"The new curriculum offers opportunities," said Johnson. “We are providing our students and teachers with the best tools to equip them for the future."
Staff and community feedback guided the selection process for new curriculum materials. Following public review and feedback sessions, teachers throughout our district field-tested the materials.
"We engage so many people within the community, and teacher involvement in field testing is essential to ensure that we pick the right curriculum," said Christopherson.
The updated curriculum materials provide new tools to engage students in grade-level content for every course and content area. The investment reflects Omaha Public Schools commitment to improvement, ensuring all students have access to resources that support success.
"We want students to value their experience in the classroom," said Christopherson. "We understand that it's a partnership between families and our district, and we want families to know that we are selecting materials that will help their students learn, engage and succeed."
Aug. 2024
