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SPASH to require juniors to choose one of two core writing classes; board approves course-name and sequence changes
Summary
The board approved ELA program changes at SPASH that narrow junior-year writing and literature options, add a speech course as a free dual-enrollment offering and rename several elective classes; administration said the move clarifies pathways and supports rigor.
The Stevens Point Area Public School District board approved changes to English course names and a revised junior-course sequence at Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH). The changes were presented by SPASH staff and recommended by district administrators as part of a curriculum-adoption cycle.
John Ballendorf, representing the SPASH English department, said teachers found the junior-year course list had grown long and allowed students to select many elective-style options rather than a consistent set of writing and literature experiences. To increase clarity and preserve a baseline of writing experience for all juniors, the department proposed that every junior choose between two writing courses — Composition and Research (formerly Advanced Composition) or Foundations of Writing — and select one of three streamlined literature options. Ballendorf said the changes do not eliminate curriculum but narrow pathways so juniors have a predictable set of writing and literature experiences.
Ballendorf also said the department will offer speech as a dual-enrollment course at no charge to students beginning next year. “We're going to be able to offer speech as a dual enrollment class moving forward,” Ballendorf told the board.
Board discussion addressed concerns that students and families sometimes choose classes perceived as “easier.” Several board members urged that counselors and teachers discourage choosing courses on the basis of perceived ease and instead focus on course fit and long-term preparation. Administration said the changes align with a larger core-sequencing study being done with Hanover Research to map course pathways in ELA and math and to assess whether options are equitable across student demographics.
The board voted to approve the recommended course-name changes and the revised junior course sequence. District staff said course descriptions required action in time for registration deadlines and that the changes would be implemented for the next academic year.
