School Specialty's FOSS Pathways™ Earns Prestigious Award for Educational Innovation

Revolutionizing Science Education with FOSS Pathways™

In a significant advancement for educational resources, School Specialty has announced that its latest FOSS Pathways™ Edition has garnered the coveted Parent and Teacher Choice Award. This innovative curriculum, tailored for students in grades PreK through 5, is a crucial component of the Full Option Science System™ (FOSS®), developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley. The new edition is a hands-on, phenomena-based science program designed to engage young learners and meet the high standards of national education goals.

The Need for Scientific Thinkers

Today's world is in dire need of individuals who possess strong scientific reasoning capabilities. The FOSS Pathways curriculum is designed to nurture these skills by encouraging students to assess challenges with a scientific lens and to approach opportunities with enthusiasm. By merging scientific inquiry with essential English Language Arts and math skills, this program aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience.

Bonnie Piotrowski, Senior Director of Product Development at School Specialty, stated, "FOSS Pathways provides educators with a powerful, high-quality, evidence-based science curriculum that empowers the next generation of problem-solvers. This award is a reflection of the positive experiences teachers observe in their classrooms, where the curriculum not only teaches science but also stimulates deep, three-dimensional learning."

Key Features of FOSS Pathways

The FOSS Pathways curriculum stands out due to several unique features that make it a valuable asset for educational institutions:

1. Phenomena-Based Learning: This approach immerses students in real-world phenomena, allowing them to solve relevant engineering challenges through interactive investigations.
2. Standards Alignment: The program is meticulously aligned with national science standards, employing three-dimensional teaching and assessment practices.
3. Time-Efficient Design: Understanding the constraints of instructional time, FOSS Pathways offers 60 sessions for grades K-2 and 90 sessions for grades 3-5 within a school year.
4. Accessibility and Equity: The curriculum employs a multimodal teaching approach to engage all students, incorporating English Language Arts to enhance literacy. It also offers editable teaching slides and assessments that can be translated into multiple languages through Google Translate.
5. Proven Success: FOSS Pathways is recognized with an ESSA Tier 4 rating by Johns Hopkins School of Education, in addition to receiving the Parent and Teacher Choice Award.

Diana Nunez, a 5th-grade teacher from the Riverside Unified School District, shared her experience: "At the start of the school year, FOSS is the one thing that I'm not afraid to start off with because I know I will have the students' attention and motivation. It sets the stage for the year ahead."

Legacy and Development

Developed over a span of 40 years, FOSS is backed by substantial research and has undergone extensive nationwide testing. The program's initial creation was supported by the National Science Foundation and UC Berkeley and was co-founded by pioneers like Linda De Lucchi and the late Laurence Malone, who were early advocates of active-learning in science education.

School Specialty provides comprehensive packages for schools utilizing FOSS Pathways. These packages include high-quality equipment kits, investigation guides, student resources, and access to the FOSSweb on the ThinkLink™ digital platform.

About School Specialty

With a legacy extending 60 years, School Specialty is a leading provider of learning solutions for the pre-K–12 education market in the U.S. and Canada. Their offerings extend beyond merely supplies; they include furniture, educational technology, and a range of learning resources aimed at fostering an engaging educational environment. School Specialty believes in the potential of every student to thrive in an inspiring learning atmosphere, reflecting their commitment to transforming classrooms across the nation.

For further information about School Specialty and the FOSS Pathways curriculum, you can visit their website at SchoolSpecialty.com.