4319

SCIENCE AND MATH INSTRUCTION

            The Board of Education believes that instruction in science and mathematics is crucial for student success in today's rapidly changing and competitive world, which increasingly demands higher levels of scientific and mathematical skills, as well as experience in technological applications.  The Board therefore supports an interdisciplinary instructional program which encourages and expects basic literacy in science and math, and prepares interested students for further study and/or careers in these fields.

            Basic literacy in science and math includes instruction in a "core" body of information, but also emphasizes problem-solving and critical inquiry processes.  Students shall be encouraged to apply such skills to contemporary concerns and problems facing the school and the community in a "hands-on" learning environment (i.e., recycling projects, energy conservation projects, etc.).

            The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to oversee the development of a flexible science and math curriculum, which takes into consideration new developments in all related fields and emphasizes the world's changing needs.  Such curriculum shall include the following:

    1.    basic knowledge and skills in science and math, and the opportunity to develop such
            skills and apply them to societal and individual problems;

    2.    opportunities and encouragement for all students to participate in appropriately
            challenging courses of study;

    3.    opportunities for students to develop an understanding of and appreciation for the
            relationships between science, mathematics and technology through interdisciplinary
            study;

    4.    opportunities for students to develop a positive attitude towards science and
            mathematics and a spirit of inquiry towards the natural world;

    5.    information on career opportunities in science and mathematics;

    6.    opportunities for students to develop confidence in their ability to apply and develop
           scientific/mathematic knowledge and skills;

    7.    individual and group problem-solving experiences and enrichment activities;

    8.    student participation in a variety of experiences and course-related materials,
            including field trips, laboratory and classroom experiments and use of computer-
            based technology; and

    9.    evaluation of student progress in assimilating and applying scientific/ mathematical
            knowledge and skills, and periodic feedback to students regarding such progress.

            The Superintendent shall inform the Board of all curricular changes, and advise the Board of necessary and up-to-date instructional materials to properly implement such curriculum.  The curriculum should be designed to properly prepare all students for their role in society, and ensure district compliance with the curricular requirements of the State Education Department.

Cross-ref:      4200, Curriculum Development

                        4310, Basic Instructional Program

                        4510.1, Instructional Technology

                        4526, Computer-Assisted Instruction

Ref:                8 NYCRR §§100.2-100.5

Adoption date:  January 1, 1993

Reviewed on:    September 29, 2003