DuPage HSD 88 reviews course offerings, expands career pathways and graduation flexibilities

District 88 officials on Jan. 13 updated the Board of Education on course offerings, career pathways and supports for students preparing for college and careers.

The presentation outlined course‑selection work under way in SchoolLinks, the district’s platform for four‑year planning, college searches and course registration. Counselors have begun selecting courses with sophomores and will follow with juniors, freshmen and incoming eighth graders, staff said.

Why it matters: the information affects what courses students can take next school year, what college credit they can earn while in District 88, and which pathways qualify for graduation substitutions.

District staff described new and continuing offerings: Automotive Technology 7 at Addison Trail; Culinary Arts 5 at Willowbrook; a second cybersecurity course (Cybersecurity 2); and an introductory fitness and weight‑training course intended to create a pathway that leads to an existing dual‑credit capstone. The district also plans collegiate (CC) courses through Elmhurst University aimed at the teaching pathway and other electives, and it continues dual‑credit partnerships with College of DuPage and other partners.

Administrators said the district offers more than 30 Advanced Placement courses and more than 35 career certifications. The presentation listed career certificates and their associated courses and encouraged students to consider the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) for juniors and seniors; TCD’s open house is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30–8 p.m., staff said.

Staff also highlighted the Seal of Biliteracy process: students who demonstrate proficiency in English and another language can earn the seal on their diploma, which can waive some college language requirements. The district reported that 190 students earned the seal last year and that testing dates are scheduled at both high schools in February.

Counseling supports and scheduling flexibility were emphasized. The district offers academic centers (ARC/Academic Success Center at Addison Trail; Warrior Resource Center at Willowbrook), before‑ and after‑school tutoring, a writing center, and resource periods. Administrators described graduation flexibilities that allow students to substitute certain required courses with career capstones, technical programs or approved apprenticeships — for example, substituting a third science credit with a career capstone when that better aligns with a student’s pathway. The district also maintains PE and marching‑band waivers for students who meet other requirements.

A parent and community member, Jen Burns, spoke during public comment and said she is concerned about recent changes to graduation requirements, specifically the removal of a stand‑alone public speaking course (and economics was cited by others as a point of concern). Burns said the community has not been “fully comfortable” with the transparency of those changes and described experiences where elective courses did not run or students could not get the electives they had hoped to take. Burns asked the board to ensure students retain opportunities to develop oral‑communication skills and to improve transparency around course availability.

District staff responded in the presentation by pointing to SchoolLinks and the course listing guide as public resources where course descriptions, pathways and suggested sequences are posted, and they encouraged parents to review SchoolLinks and attend upcoming course information nights.

What’s next: counselors will continue course selection with freshmen and incoming eighth graders over the next several weeks, and both high schools will host curriculum/career showcases for families this week. Staff asked families to consult SchoolLinks for course descriptions and pathway details and to contact counselors for individual questions.