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Curriculum committee considers new game-design course, expands dual-enrollment partnerships and reorganizes teaching & learning oversight
Summary
Curriculum committee reviewed a proposed Game Design capstone course, a rapid expansion of dual-enrollment offerings with multiple college partners, and a temporary reorganization of teaching-and-learning oversight under the superintendent’s office.
The Kennett Consolidated School District curriculum committee met following the policy discussion to consider course proposals, dual-enrollment expansion and organizational changes in teaching and learning.
Teacher Toby Chu presented a proposed high-school Game Design course described as a capstone for the district's computer-science sequence. Chu said students who complete Computer Science Essentials and Computer Science Principles could take Game Design instead of AP Computer Science A; in the first two years the district may allow some exceptions, but the program is intended as an upper-level course built on prior coursework. Chu described the instructional rationale and said many students are motivated by game development.
Committee members asked about prerequisites and enrollment demand. Administrators said the district will bring a formal course-approval packet to the board detailing graduation requirements met, course competencies and resource implications. Chu and administrators said the new course would require reassigning existing teacher sections and any staffing implications would be handled through usual scheduling and budget processes.
The committee also received an update on dual enrollment. Staff reported 2 dual-enrollment classes in the current year and a plan for 23 courses next year through partnerships with Immaculata University, Delaware County Community College, West Chester University and University of Delaware; 16 of the planned courses are AP-linked via Immaculata. Administrators said the district will subsidize part of the credit cost (district funding currently covers up to half or $300 per course while programs are launching) and will provide support for students with financial need so cost does not bar participation.
Superintendent Kimberly Russo Saunders said she plans to supervise teaching-and-learning functions from the superintendent’s office rather than immediately filling the vacant director position, while Assistant Superintendent Michael Barber will continue operational support. The change is intended to accelerate work on guaranteed viable curriculum and the opportunity audit referenced in the administration’s entry plan; administrators said they will keep the board apprised and preserve the position in budget planning until long-term decisions are made.
Finally, the committee reviewed a curriculum-vocabulary "cheat sheet" the administration will share with board members, intended to create shared language around standards, assessments, diagnostics and instruction. Administrators asked board members to review a preliminary high-school report and submit questions ahead of next month’s presentation.
No committee votes were required; staff will prepare formal course materials and return dual-enrollment implementation details and budget implications to the board for approval where needed.
