Board to consider new Exploring Arts course, AP U.S. Government second-semester offering and TeachTown functional curriculum

Deputy Superintendent Don presented three curriculum proposals the board asked to consider: an Exploring Arts course intended to introduce students to careers and public presentation of art; a new AP U.S. Government and Politics second-semester course that would be added to the high-school schedule (textbook selection and final curriculum to return for board approval if the course is approved); and TeachTown, an integrated functional curriculum for LEAP and RISE classroom students intended to provide individualized instruction across ELA, math and social studies.

Don said the AP course would need a separate curriculum review and textbook vetting if the board approves adding the course and that TeachTown had been piloted previously but paperwork was not brought forward during a staffing transition. He said these items would appear on the consent agenda at the next board meeting if the board gives initial permission to add the courses now.

Board members asked no substantive policy questions during the presentation; staff characterized this as a first read and indicated materials for textbook approval and curriculum alignment would return for formal approval.