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Committee reviews major revisions to Program of Studies: new leveling rules, parent review and scheduling changes
Summary
Staff presented substantial edits to stage 3 of the Program of Studies, including integrated scheduling for specialized programs, clarified definitions for AP/honors/other levels, a parent review (replacing a parent waiver), and a new course schedule finalization process intended to reduce add/drop churn.
District staff presented major revisions to the Program of Studies at the Nov. 6 EPR committee meeting and described a multi‑step rollout intended to make course selection more transparent and consistent across buildings.
Key changes in stage 3 include an effort to infuse specialized scheduling (for programs such as MCTI and other career pathways) into the high‑school scheduling process so students at all sites receive the same preparation and information. Staff said they are testing form routes and data flows to ensure accurate course tallies.
Staff outlined agreed definitions for course levels (AP, honors, DP and other level designations) and said those definitions will be shared with principals, counselors and teachers so recommendations and student expectations use common language. The committee heard that the district replaced a previous "parent waiver" with a "parent review" process: a parent may request a review of a recommended placement and provide evidence; the building principal then reviews the student data (transcript, grade in course, teacher recommendation) and may approve placement changes. The policy is not a guaranteed placement simply by signing a form, staff said.
Staff also described a new course schedule finalization step to replace the current add/drop process, intended to reduce last‑minute roster changes and extreme class‑size swings. The committee discussed communications to families, timing of parent nights and earlier socialization of course expectations for middle‑grade students. Staff said department chairs will review prerequisites and course descriptions in the next stage.
Committee members praised the level of work but asked for careful enforcement planning and consistent messaging; several members said they would monitor implementation in the first year. No formal approval was recorded at the committee meeting; staff said they plan to bring the Program of Studies to the board for approval when the materials are complete.
