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Blue Valley previews 2026–27 secondary course changes including AP finance, 'introduction to teaching' and pre‑algebra/algebra double block
Summary
Kelly June, the district's executive director of academic services, presented draft secondary course proposals Nov. 10 including an AP business/personal finance course, an "introduction to teaching", and a pre‑algebra/algebra double‑block shown in pilots to accelerate student math progress.
At its Nov. 10 meeting the Blue Valley Board of Education heard an informational presentation on proposed secondary course changes for the 2026–27 school year.
Kelly June, executive director of academic services, outlined a slate of draft proposals the district will return with for action in December. Principal items include adding an AP business course that includes personal finance to meet the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) financial literacy graduation requirement; creating an "introduction to teaching" course to be offered at all five comprehensive high schools to expand the education career pathway; and districtwide adoption of a pre‑algebra/algebra double‑block course that gives students daily instruction and awards two math credits in one year.
"We have seen exceptional growth in these students in our pilot," June said of the double‑block model, noting it helps students access more rigorous courses later. Board members questioned whether the block replaces Math Strategies; June said it does not—Math Strategies will remain as an elective support course—and confirmed that the double‑block awards two math credits in a single year.
Other changes presented were title updates and minor edits intended to align with state course codes and industry standards: Culinary Essentials → Culinary Foundations; Filmmaking → Filmmaking and Animation; Relationships and Personal Development → Human Development; Applied Psychology → Psychology in Action. A music technology course was proposed for Blue Valley Academy and several journalism courses would be retitled to comply with KSDE funding language that limits certain words in course titles.
June emphasized the presentation was informational only; the board will be asked to take formal action in December when the proposals are returned in booklet form with full course descriptions.
Next steps: staff will bring the proposals back for formal board action in December with accompanying course booklets and implementation details.
