In September 2013, California adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The new science standards represent a major shift in science instruction that focuses on scientific sense-making, language used, and the scientific and engineering practices. These practices overlap with Common Core (CCSS) by placing significance on developing explanations and argumentation from evidence. In support, the OUSD Science Department has been actively preparing teachers since 2012 to make the necessary shifts in their classrooms to address the standards and the upcoming state test. As the California Science Test (CAST) becomes operational Spring 2019, it is vital to support OUSD students with high quality standards aligned science curriculum and instructional materials.

Selection of middle school science curriculum began in Spring 2018. 27 teachers from 14 middle schools attended open sessions and reviewed instructional materials from the top four middle schools science programs, rated by the nine lead districts (including Oakland Unified) in the statewide NGSS Early Implementation Initiative. From the four, OUSD science teachers selected two curricula to pilot in the Fall of 2018. 25 piloting teachers came from 11 different middle schools across the Networks and represent a spectrum of teaching experience, and multiple class load configurations. Teachers provided feedback on six features of each program: (1) NGSS Alignment; (2) Language, Literacy, and Common Core Connection; (3) Equity; (4) Student Materials; (5) Assessment; and (6) Usability. Full Option Science Systems (FOSS) was ranked highest in each category. Overall, 82% of the pilot teachers recommended we move forward with adopting FOSS for grades 6-8 in OUSD. The adoption of FOSS would provide students the high quality standards-aligned curriculum they deserve and need to develop a scientific understanding of our world in order to address personal, community, and global issues.

The OUSD School Board approved the adoption of FOSS June 5, 2019.

Implementation Support

Training

Goal: 100% Teachers trained by December 2019.

• June 2019's Standards & Equity Institute

• August 2019's New Teacher Institute (open to new and returning teachers) register here

• Online teacher preparation video for every single lesson!

• Monthly PD by grade level at the Oakland Zoo (2nd Wednesdays 2:15-3:45pm)

• Buy Back Days

• On-site Science Teacher Leaders

• Principal PD

To set up your FOSS account, please reach out to herberta.zulueta@ousd.org. You will need to create an account using our OUSD email. Teachers should set up an account prior to teaching the course.

Instructional Materials

FOSS kits are provided to all middle school sites. Live organisms and consumable materials will also be fully supplied. Below for details and resources related to the program. By centralizing the FOSS materials system, OUSD ensures that every classroom has the materials they need for every unit, every year for hands on science.

To get online access to NGSS FOSS, click here. (For OUSD teachers, only.)

Kits will be dropped off before the unit begins and picked up before the end of unit. Science Teacher Leaders (STLs) will organize the distribution and collection of FOSS kits using the Saleforce App.