Akron Public Schools unveil proposed science and health textbooks

Educators and administrators with Akron Public Schools released recommendations for K-12 science and health textbooks and teaching materials during an Akron Board of Education committee meeting on April 29. 

Katrina Halasa, a learning specialist with the school district, led board members through the review and selection process, which included input from community members, vendors, educators and students. The process started in October. 

“The common recommendations for most of these were complete digital bundling, consumable student notebooks, and a class set of physical books,” Halasa said. In addition, participants recommended the inclusion of labs and kits. “Science is not just a book,” she continued. “It is [an] inquiry and it is things that need to be done.”

Halasa said K-3 and health has not enjoyed new materials in “many, many years.” She also said materials align with the school district’s electronic standards, Ohio science content standards and state laws for health education. Ohio does not have standards for health education. 

Materials include textbooks, magazines and digital assets

Here is a list of the recommendations with links to the company websites:

• K-5 health: Studies Weekly Health and Wellness
• 6-12 health: Goodheart-Wilcox HS and MS Comprehensive Health
• K-2 science: McGraw-Hill Inspire 
• 3-5 science: Savvas Elevate/Ohio
• 6-8 science: Smithsonian STC Middle School
• High school science
  • Biology and chemistry: HMH Science Dimensions
  • Physics and environmental science: Savvas Realize
  • Anatomy/physiology and astronomy: McGraw-Hill Electives
  • Physical science: McGraw-Hill Inspire
  • Physical geology and microbiology:: Pearson Mastering
  • Forensic: Cengage Electives, Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations, 3rd Edition
  • AP biology and environmental science: Bedford, Freeman & Worth AP
  • AP chemistry: Cengage Electives
  • AP physics:: Pearson Mastering
  • IB (International Baccalaureate) biology recommendation: Hodder 
  • IB chemistry and physics recommended text: Kognity

Reasons vary for each textbook recommendation

Halasa explained why each title was selected; the reasons varied. But overall, the answers ranged from alignment and standards to accessibility, organization and connection to students.

For example, Halasa said K-2 science materials were selected because students can access interactive and virtual labs. The microbiology textbook is a higher-level college book, but it’s useful for students interested in careers in nursing. To see the whole presentation, click here.

Committee Chair Carla Jackson thanked the vetting committee for compiling the recommendations. 

“I love the different things where students can see in real time life cycles, where they can engage and take part,” Jackson said. “These are great teachers doing great things. I’ve observed teachers with chickens in their rooms and growing plants.”

Public input, review sought through May 20

Textbooks are available for public review during regular business hours at the APS administration building, 10 N. Main St.

Board of Education members will review the recommendations at upcoming meetings today and May 20 before a final vote on adoption. If approved, students will begin using the materials as early as this fall.  

“We want every child and our scholars to be able to not only grab an apple from the tree but reach it at their equal opportunity throughout,” Halasa said.