WESTLAKE ACADEMY STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATION
title
(TABLED 05/20/2024) Consider approving WA Resolution 24-12 authorizing the expenditure of funds to Accelerate Learning Inc. in the amount of $29,146.00 for Westlake Academy grades K-5 Science Resources (Rod Harding, PYP Principal - Grades KG-5 - Westlake Academy)
body
STAFF: Alison Schneider PYP Coordinator - Grades KG-5 - Westlake Academy
BACKGROUND:
According to Texas Administrative Code Chapter 11, Subchapter A, Rule 112.1, the commissioner of education shall determine whether by July 31, 2023 whether instructional material funding has been made available to Texas public schools for materials that cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science that were adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE) in December 2021. This subchapter shall be implemented beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and apply to all subsequent school years. In July 2023, Westlake Academy received $150,718 in state funding for instructional materials. The instructional leadership team agreed to reserve the majority of funding for the adoption of new science instructional materials.
New science and technology instructional materials we adopted by the SBOE in the fall of 2023. In January 2024, four Westlake Academy representatives attending the Region 11 instructional materials preview. Sample publications were obtained at this preview. From February 12-16, 2024, primary teachers previewed the following publications: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Saavas Learning Solutions, McGraw Hill, STEMscopes by Accelerate Learning, Argumentative Driven Inquiry, and Studies Weekly. Teacher feedback was annotated on a rubric that included the following criteria: 1) standards alignment, 2) instructional technology utilization, 3) student materials, 4) IB methodology, 4) instructional material support and 5) assessment.
Following the preview, the PYP staff collectively determined that STEMscopes was the preferred instructional material. This resource is 100% aligned with the TEKS and Next Generation Science Standards. STEMscopes allows students to explore scientific phenomena through dynamic inquiry-based experiences, cross-curricular texts (including leveled readers for K-2), and engagements that build understanding of academic vocabulary.
DISCUSSION:
This item was tabled by the Board of Trustees at the May 20, 2024 Regular Meeting to provide the incoming Head of School the opportunity to review and provide input prior to consideration of approval. The purchase of these products are funded through the IMA funds and not General Fund. Since the meeting on May 20th the Town Manager has reached out to Dr. Ritchie, HOS, who has approved the purchase of the curriculum.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$29,146.00 will be charged to Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) funds. IMA funds are not budgeted within the annual budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of WA Resolution 24-12, as presented.