Development Process

In Program Policy Proposals (Saskatchewan Education, 1986), science was affirmed as one of the Required Areas of Study. In 1987, Dr. Paul Hart completed the study entitled Science for Saskatchewan Schools. That document, plus a major field study, established the context for the development of the renewed science curricula.

Based on findings reported in Dr. Hart's study, policy recommendations setting and affirming the framework for curriculum renewal were approved by Saskatchewan Education early in 1988. A developer/writer had already started the design phase. With assistance from the K-12 Curriculum Committee and the Program Team, drafts of three documents (Overview, Curriculum Guide and Information Bulletin) were prepared for the piloting of elementary science beginning in the fall of 1988. Over 100 teachers received the 2 day orientation workshop for piloting. The number of teachers was expanded during 1988 and 1989, and 3 workshop/feedback days were held. By early 1990, over 200 teachers had been involved in piloting. Based on all of the evaluation and feedback, the documents were revised, resources to support the curriculum were verified, and plans for implementation in the fall 1990 were finalized.