The Science Chairs of the Lakehead Board have been proactive in working together to develop a system-wide Grade 9 Science Resource Binder which can be used by all Grade 9 science teachers. This resource will facilitate a sharing of equipment and resources as well as providing a large support group through which teachers can share ideas. To make the task more manageable, several teachers will bring their expertise and experience to particular strands of the New Grade 9 Science Curriculum. Current Ministry plans call for orders to be completed by June 30 and texts to be delivered by September 3. Teachers will be invited to identify gaps.
Some funding is still available to purchase appropriate audio-visual materials.
Secondary school acquisitions will be a priority for the coming school year. The new curriculum for the secondary schools will require a range of changes. The adjustment to new assessment strategies, teaching methodologies, and further integration of technology will demand the full attention of teachers. It is unrealistic for any group to undergo this amount of change in four months. The change will occur, but teachers must focus on what can be done with the time, resources and support that is being made available.