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Board hears planned course additions, civics credit alignment and proposed honors diploma
Summary
The board reviewed new and revised course proposals for next year, an updated civics credit requirement aligned with state law, expansion of CTE pathways and a draft honors-diploma requirement; staff said the final text for a college-level Writing 122 course will be confirmed with RCC and families.
District curriculum leaders presented several planned course additions for Grants Pass High School, an update to civics and government credit alignment, and a proposal for a new honors diploma pathway for students.
New CTE and health sciences courses included Foundations of Health Care Professions and Intro to Pharmacology (articulated with Rogue Community College for college credit), expanded automotive sequences (Auto 3), and a rising-educators pathway for students interested in teaching careers. Teachers and CTE staff described field trips, job-shadowing and partnerships with local employers and RCC.
Curriculum staff also described civics and American government changes: the district will provide a standalone civics credit to meet state requirements, with economics standards incorporated into other social-studies courses rather than as a separate required course.
The board reviewed a proposed honors diploma, created with input from counselors, department leaders and student representatives. Recommended criteria include a 3.5 unweighted GPA, six credits in advanced/college-level coursework (AP, advanced CTE or RCC 100-level classes), participation in the 11th-grade statewide assessment for language arts and math, and completion of 27 total credits (25 graded). Staff proposed a phased rollout so current juniors and seniors have time to meet credit expectations.
Several board members raised concerns about a proposed required text for a college-level writing course (Writing 122) that would articulate with RCC; staff said the final required text is not yet confirmed, that the parent advisory council had raised questions about the initially listed text, and that curriculum staff would return with a final selection and additional parental notification.
Planned course statements were brought forward later on the agenda and the board approved them in a subsequent vote.
