Lessons Learned: Selecting and Deploying K12 Science and Social Studies Content

Published: June 30, 2017

Table of Contents

METHODOLOGY
Table 1: Interview Breakdown by State and District and District Size
About the Authors
INTRODUCTION
PEDAGOGY IS CHANGING
Content Needs are Changing due to Pedagogy and Technology
Short Shrift for Social Studies
STEM Is Changing Science Teaching
Table 2: Next Generation Science Standards States
Table 3: Competitive Providers in Science
DISTRICTS SAVE MONEY WITH OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCES
WHY DISTRICTS MOVE AWAY FROM LARGE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS
WHY DISTRICTS STICK WITH LARGE TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS
THERE ARE BUMPS IN THE TRANSITION FROM PRINT TO DIGITAL
BOTTOM UP AND TOP DOWN DECISION-MAKING
Differing Views on Local Control
CONCLUSIONS

Abstract

Lessons Learned: Selecting and Deploying K12 Science and Social Studies Content

Simba Information's new report, Lessons Learned: Selecting and Deploying K-12 Science and Social Studies Content, is a point-in-time-look at how instructional materials in science and social studies in K-12 education is being evaluated and selected based on interviews conducted in the first quarter 2017 with administrators in 31 school districts and six state or regional education agencies across 20 states.

The findings are summarized and differentiated between science and social studies to provide a window into review/selection practices in districts, and the important considerations that are part of the current thinking. Statistical conclusions are not drawn, but the report touches upon many current hot-button topics relative to both subject areas.

Market Trends Covered:

  • Changing content needs
  • Impact of OER (open educational resources) 
  • Types of instructional materials preferred
  • Pluses and minuses of choosing programs from big publishers vs. smaller publishers
  • Bumpy transition from print to digital
  • Changes in decision-making re acquisition of materials
  • How districts view roles of the state re instructional materials
Lessons Learned: Selecting and Deploying K12 Science and Social Studies Content was produced by education consulting firm Academic Business Advisors with contribution from Simba Information and is based on interviews conducted in the first quarter of 2017.


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