Board approves high-school music, science and ELA curriculum maps; committee-driven edits to assessments requested

Central School District administrators presented multiple curriculum maps on Aug. 4 and the board approved the high-school music, science and ELA maps in a single action. Doctor Ucheff, curriculum staff, summarized the materials and said the business and family-and-consumer-science maps were written this summer to align with CTE (career and technical education) task lists so the district can offer related CTE pathways. On the Grade 8 ELA map, Ucheff said the middle-school department chair asked to remove specific assessment titles and to keep assessment entries more general "to be in line with everything we've done in all of the maps." Board members asked operational questions. One director asked why Accounting I was limited to grades 10-12; curriculum staff explained it ties into the three-year CTE pathway and prerequisites. Another director asked whether AP English Language and Composition should be allowed in grade 12 as well as 11; staff said they would check with Doctor Zarnicki. Staff explained AP Statistics appears on the maps as a possible option for accelerated students, which is why it may show as early as ninth grade for some students. During the action portion of the meeting, the board moved to approve the high-school music, science and ELA curriculum maps "as presented." The chair called for a vote, and the motion carried by voice vote; the transcript records the approval but does not include a roll-call tally. Board members praised curriculum writers. Director Walker commented on the quality of the maps and the depth of course offerings, noting they offered students stronger exposure to humanities and other subjects than previously available. Administrators said they will make the requested assessment wording change for Grade 8 and check the AP course grade-level listings before the final implementation materials are published to students and families.