Starting this school year, elementary students will learn science with dedicated science teachers.
This shift benefits students in several ways:
- Science builds critical thinking and future-ready skills.
- Students will receive consistent, high-quality science instruction across all schools.
- Students will explore science in deeper ways with lessons that match their grade level.
- Schools will make the most of Highline’s new science program, Amplify. Some science will still connect to literacy units and be taught by classroom teachers.
Teachers will now receive at least 285 minutes of planning time each week—an increase of 60 minutes. More planning time allows teachers to prepare lessons, review progress, and collaborate to support student needs. To make this possible, certificated specialists will teach science, similar to how students attend music and PE. Each school will decide how to schedule and staff this change.
"This additional planning time helps educators focus on high-quality instruction and supporting student needs while ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to engage with science,” shared Deputy Superintendent Jenniffer Reinig.
We look forward to a year of deeper learning and stronger support for every student.