Oak Park–River Forest board reviews course catalog changes including civics for multilingual learners and a biotech pathway

Administrators from Oak Park and River Forest High School presented a package of additions and curriculum revisions to the board at a Committee of the Whole meeting, including a one‑semester civics course tailored for multilingual learners, a comparative religions elective for juniors and seniors, and a proposed Biomanufacturing/Biotech Builder course intended to connect students to internships and microcredentials.

The course recommendations are an annual review by the Student Learning division. Rosetta Bonmore, speaking for the Student Learning office, said the process included division teams, counselors and student‑services staff to ensure the proposed offerings “are in service of student need… and that they meet the district standards for equity and excellence.”

Why it matters: The new and revised courses are intended both to expand access and to align the high school’s offerings with postsecondary or career pathways. Administrators said the Biotech Builder course would aim to give students lab skills and microcredentials that make them eligible for internships at local employers; the civics addition is designed to meet graduation requirements while aligning with the district’s bilingual services.

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