New Lenox's Lincoln-Way 210 partnership with feeder districts focus is on science curriculum

NEW LENOX – Lincoln-Way 210 science curriculum is being revised to meet the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that are an essential part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teaching.

The NGSS standards were adopted by the State of Illinois in February 2014 and must be implemented by the fall of 2016. Fifty teachers participated, representing all of the K-8 schools, with a representative from each building at each grade level plus Lincoln-Way teacher representatives from each high school.

The NGSS partnership came together when District 157C Director of Curriculum & Instruction Janet Goggins asked District 210 to consider leading the informational sessions.

The sessions would provide input and guidance to the feeder school representatives about the new standards to help create goals and a vision for kindergarten through eighth grade science and to lay a strong foundation in science for high school.

These new standards require each grade level to have some accountability (K-12) in teaching kids across three science domains; engineering practices, science content and crosscutting concept.

In addition to Karla Horn representing West, Lincoln-Way High Schools were represented by Rhonda Starklauf, Central; Beth Swaney, East; and Liz Conroy, North.