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Board reviews proposed changes to high school program of studies, adds environmental science and corrects PE credit accounting
Summary
Assistant curriculum staff presented proposed edits to the high school program of studies, including replacing a freshman chemistry/physics course with environmental science, correcting PE credit accounting from a quarter to a half credit per year, and changing a required arts course to an elective option to free schedule space.
Doctor Heinrich presented planned updates to the Lower Moreland Township High School program of studies on Jan. 7 and asked the board to take the changes up for approval at the next meeting so course selection can proceed in February.
Key changes include replacing the existing freshman "chemistry and physics" course with an environmental science course aligned to Pennsylvania's updated academic standards; eliminating an honors-level environmental elective for juniors and seniors that is no longer needed because environmental science will be covered for all freshmen; and converting a previously required half-credit course, Creativity and Collaboration in the Arts, from a mandatory requirement into an option to satisfy fine-arts requirements.
On physical education and health credits, Heinrich said the district was correcting its accounting of PE credits: the district requires four years of PE, and each year should be counted as a half-credit (three out of six days), not a quarter credit as previously reflected in internal tallies. "Students will take the same amount. We're just correcting the number to make sure that we are accurately reflecting the time that they're investing in the course and the times that the teachers are teaching," she said.
Why it matters: The changes aim to align the curriculum with Pennsylvania standards, avoid duplicated course content, and reduce scheduling barriers for students who already carry music or arts ensemble commitments. Heinrich said the changes are the product of collaboration among teachers, department coordinators, counselors and administrators.
Budget impact and materials: Heinrich said the only new entitlement cost presented was an estimated $6,000 to support materials for the environmental science course rollout (text/license or initial materials), and asked the board to approve that item. Several board members clarified that the $6,000 covers course materials and initial licensing rather than ongoing personnel costs.
Scheduling and implementation: If approved, course-selection meetings with students would start in early February. Heinrich said removed or inactivated courses would remain in the course catalog but would not be offered immediately; they can be reactivated later if demand returns.
Ending: The board discussed the proposed edits and asked for formal approval at the next public meeting so counselors and students can begin selection and scheduling work.
