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Board approves sweeping set of new curricula and textbooks, adds definitions in health unit for clarity
Summary
The board approved a series of new high‑school and middle‑school courses and textbook adoptions, including health grades 6–8, anatomy and physiology, meteorology, theater programs, video production, video game development and music production. Board discussion added definitions of gender terms in the health curriculum to give parents clearer
The Wethersfield Board of Education approved an extensive slate of new curricula and textbook adoptions covering middle- and high-school courses, electives and early-college options.
The approvals included new health curricula for grades 6–8; anatomy and physiology; meteorology; multiple theater courses (theater and performing arts, Shakespearean studies, CCSU CETH 110 Introduction to Theater as an early-college option); advanced video production; video game development; electronic music production; conceptual crafts; French I at the middle‑school level aligned to year‑one expectations; general music; English language arts for grades 7 and 8; and several textbook adoptions including a CCSU personal-finance text, a UConn digital text for popular music and a textbook selected for AP U.S. Government and Politics.
Board members and curriculum staff described many of the new offerings as hands‑on and student‑driven. “I think it's self explanatory, but again, you know, it's hands on and a lot of fun,” a board member said about the new electives. The board also highlighted the district’s partnerships with Central Connecticut State University and UConn to offer early‑college courses and reduced-cost options for students.
During discussion of the health curriculum, a board member asked that definitions be added to Unit 3 (physical health and puberty) so parents and students share the same language. The board member noted requested definitions for terms including “cisgender,” “transgender,” “gender non‑binary,” “gender identity,” and “gender expansive” and said the change was intended to give parents clearer information and reduce ambiguity about classroom language.
All motions for curriculum and textbook adoption were approved by voice vote after committee review by the student programs and services committee. Several board members praised the breadth of offerings — especially technical and arts electives they said will increase student engagement and provide career‑relevant skills.
Staff noted that many of the courses are one‑semester electives and some carry early‑college credit through CCSU or UConn partnership programs. The board directed administrators to finalize scheduling and public information so families can review course descriptions and opt‑in where applicable.
