Science 6-8 Summary of Alignment & Usability

The instructional materials reviewed for McGraw-Hill Education Inspire Science Grades 6-8 do not meet expectations for Alignment to NGSS, Gateways 1 and 2. Gateway 1: Designed for NGSS; Criterion 1: Three-Dimensional Learning does not meet expectations. The materials do not consistently include three-dimensional learning opportunities and opportunities for student sensemaking with the three dimensions. Learning objectives are present at the lesson level and module level but are only consistently three dimensional at the lesson level; the formative and summative assessments do not consistently measure the three dimensions for their respective objectives. Criterion 2: Phenomena and Problems Drive Learning does not meet expectations. While multiple problems are present, they are not consistently connected to DCIs or presented to students as directly as possible. Phenomena are not present in the program. Content focused questions consistently provide context for the student learning at the lesson and module level and the stage for one- or two-dimensional learning, presenting a missed opportunity to drive learning and use of the three dimensions to figure out phenomena and/or solve problems within and across lessons.