Board approves revisions to high school program of studies for 2025–26

The Saint Mary's County Board of Education on Feb. 5 approved revisions to the high school program of studies for 2025–26, adopting new course titles, additions and updates intended to expand career and technical education and increase scheduling flexibility.

"So I'm here, to share with you the second reading of the program of studies," said Faulkner, a curriculum staff member, opening the presentation. She told the board the district received no public input during the public hearing held Jan. 22 and highlighted key changes before asking the board to approve the item so scheduling for next school year can begin.

Notable additions and changes include a request to add 3D animation and video game design, a ninth‑grade literacy lab, and an English course titled College and Career Readiness English Recovery and Seminar (a renaming intended to clarify that the course is a recovery option for students who did not pass freshman English). Course name changes include American Literature B to English 11 and the splitting of American Literature into two sequential books (American Literature 1 and 2). Advanced Placement U.S. History was proposed for an expanded grade band (grades 10–12). The district also proposed making guitar and wellness walking repeatable credits, updating photography and digital arts descriptions to reflect new software and editing tools, and aligning Air Force JROTC course descriptions with Air Force expectations.

Faulkner and board members described two Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses—3D animation/video game design and digital audio/podcasting—as pilot offerings that will be taught at the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center for the 2025–26 year; if the pilot succeeds, the district said it will prepare professional development so comprehensive high schools can adopt the courses in later years. A board member asked whether 3D animation would allow students to play console games during class; Faulkner said the course focuses on coding and the mechanics behind games rather than playing them.

Board members and the student member of the board, Hannah Heisler, also raised student interest in virtual options (virtual health and suggested virtual financial literacy) and greater availability of zero‑period options; staff said zero‑period scheduling is a school‑level decision and that virtual health is planned for the summer.

The motion to approve the program of studies revisions passed on a voice vote; no roll‑call count was recorded in the transcript. The district will begin scheduling students for next year based on the approved changes.

The board discussed follow‑up steps for the CTE pilots, including summer 2026 professional development and evaluation of student demand.