We are excited to announce Pennsylvania-specific updates in Atlas to enhance your curriculum development process! Here’s what’s new:
STEELS Standards Updates
Pennsylvania has introduced the Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards, marking the first revision of the state’s science standards since 2002. These new standards emphasize a shift from rote memorization to engaging students in scientific practices and sustained investigations, fostering deeper understanding.
How This Appears in Atlas:
- Embedded Visuals: We’ve incorporated images of Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts directly into Atlas for easy reference during planning when you select Show Details.
- Foundation Boxes Link: A direct link to the STEELS Hub is available, allowing you to explore the standards in greater depth.
PA Core Standards and Assessment Anchors
Based on feedback from Pennsylvania schools, we’ve streamlined the PA Core Standards in Atlas to reduce redundancy, simplifying your standards alignment process.
How This Appears in Atlas:
- Integrated Assessment Anchors: Assessment Anchors, Descriptors, and Eligible Content are now embedded within the PA Core Standards when you select Show Details.
- Assessment Anchor Flags: We’ve added flags to highlight Assessment Anchor standards, aiding educators in focusing on key areas (look for the AA symbol beside relevant standards). You can also generate specialized reports and analytics to identify strengths and areas for improvement in your curriculum’s alignment with Assessment Anchors. To learn more about leveraging Reports and Analytics in Atlas, please contact your School Experience Manager to schedule a consultation.
Standards Cleanup and Professional Development Support
These updates are now live on your Atlas site, making it easier than ever to align your teaching practices with Pennsylvania-specific standards. Some districts have chosen to remove redundant standards to prevent confusion. If you’d like to obsolete certain standards such as PA Anchor Standards, Alternate Eligible Content, or NGSS, please let us know.
If you need assistance implementing these changes effectively, our Professional Development team is here to help. Explore common topics and pricing here, knowing that our sessions are tailored to your specific goals.
We hope these improvements enhance your experience using Atlas to plan and deliver quality instruction. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your School Experience Manager or contact the Standards and Services Team at [email protected].
About The Author
Michelle Ackron
School Experience Manager
Michelle Ackron is a School Experience Manager for US Public Schools. Previously a secondary math and AVID teacher for 9 years, her passion is to meet students where they are to achieve there college and career goals, whatever they might be. She is excited to help teachers streamline their practice with our solutions to better help every student succeed. She has a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University and Bachelor’s in Secondary Math Education from Eastern Michigan University.
