Today, April 27, at the regular session school board meeting, board members will vote to adopt new science textbooks for the 2011-2012 school year. The state of Indiana requires schools to readopt textbooks in a given curriculum every seven years, and the time is up for science. Like with mathematics textbook adoption earlier this year, the science textbooks will adhere to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which focuses on real world applications of knowledge.

“The science textbooks the board will vote Wednesday evening to adopt, or not adopt, will support the teachers in implementing the Common Core (State) Standards,” school board president Tricia Hackett said.

According to school board president Tricia Hackett, a group called the Science Materials Adoption Committee has been meeting since last September to review new curriculum standards and potential textbooks.

Senior Kevin Song, who has attended a science textbook adoption meeting in this school and is an active member of Science Olympiad and Chemistry Club, said the change toward the CCSS is a positive one for the science department.

“It is a good idea that these new textbooks are emphasizing real world applications,” Song said. “In the end, school should prepare students for the future by developing skills needed for college and eventually their careers.” By Rebecca Xu <[email protected]>