Welcome to the science curriculum page!
Burrillville's science curriculum for grades K-12 is currently under review.
Pursuant to RIGL§ 16.22.30-33, passed in 2019, all schools must implement High-Quality Curriculum Materials in math, English language arts, and science in grades K-12. The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has developed approved lists of High-Quality Curriculum Materials from which districts must make their selections. RIDE used various factors to determine high-quality, primarily using information from EdReports. EdReports is a non-profit, independent organization that uses teams of trained teachers to conduct reviews of K-12 ELA, mathematics, and science curricula. RIDE’s approved list includes only curricula that are rated “Green” in all three of the EdReports "gateways:" alignment to state standards, depth and quality of content, and usability for teachers and students. At this time, there are very few "green" rated science curricula available for school districts to choose.
The state's current timeline for science curriculum materials is implemention by September of 2026. Because of the limited options available, however, that timeline may be extended.
In the meantime, we are working hard to ensure that we make strong choices for our Burrillville students! As of March, 2025, grades 6-8 have selected Open Sci Ed for their new instructional materials. The middle school science teachers are currently working with our district partners at GEMS-Net to learn the new curriculum, and they will begin to use it in their classes this coming fall. Their professional learning will continue throughout the 25-26 year, and our GEMS-Net partners will continue to support teachers and students in science across the next several years.
Two of our fifth grade classes piloted Open Sci Ed units this spring as well, as we anticipate that Open Sci Ed will be the first approved curriculum for all grades, K-12. We expect that our elementary teachers will receive more training during the 2025-2026 school year, and begin to use the new materials in the 2026-2027 year. High School is likely to follow in the fall of 2027.
Please stay tuned for updates!