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Ever wondered how to make curriculum integration feel natural instead of forced? Meet Scott Oste and Katie Trach from Northampton Area School District, who have mastered what they playfully call "ropifying" - the art of weaving subjects together into a cohesive educational experience.
Their journey began in 2015, well before Pennsylvania adopted the STEELS standards. Rather than waiting for state mandates, they proactively built integration into their district's DNA through gradual, intentional changes. What makes their approach unique is how they've capitalized on connections that already existed but weren't being fully leveraged.
Katie brilliantly articulates why integration works so well in elementary settings: "Elementary teachers are phenomenal at ropifying. We verbified roping it. Is it speaking and listening? Is it reading? Is it writing? Is it science? It doesn't matter." The key is becoming more intentional about these natural connections.
One of their most powerful insights concerns the relationship between science and literacy. Rather than competing for instructional time, STEELS enhances literacy instruction by providing authentic contexts for reading, writing, and discussion. As Katie explains, "You can't write more until you can talk more," highlighting how scientific discussions build the foundation for stronger written expression.
The podcast reveals that scientific modeling provides an accessible entry point for teachers new to STEELS. By encouraging students to draw their ideas and engage in collaborative discussions, teachers naturally address multiple standards across disciplines while building student confidence.
What's most encouraging about Scott and Katie's message is that curriculum integration is accessible to everyone. Whether you're just beginning or well into your journey, small intentional changes can transform how students experience learning. Starting with scientific modeling and emphasizing student discussion creates a foundation upon which deeper integration can be built.
Ready to "ropify" your curriculum? Listen now to discover how these curriculum specialists are breaking down subject barriers to create more authentic, efficient learning experiences for students at all levels.

Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed