Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Programs Of Study topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bethlehem Area School District unveils 2026–27 program of studies with new biotech and AP offerings
Summary
District curriculum team proposed removing overlapping advanced courses, introducing a combined biotech elective, updating math sequences to reduce tracking, and adding AP Business & Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity in the 2026–27 Program of Studies to be voted on at the Nov. 17 regular board meeting.
District curriculum staff presented recommended revisions to the Bethlehem Area School District’s 2026–27 Program of Studies and asked the curriculum committee to forward the proposal to the full board for a vote at the Nov. 17 meeting.
Administrator (S2) introduced Mrs. Kovacki and Ms. Richards, who reviewed course‑level changes and new descriptions. The presenters said the district will remove Forensic Organic Chemistry because it “overlaps quite a bit” with the existing forensics course and will remove a standalone genetics course by folding its content into a new elective titled Biotech: Future of Genetics that will focus on DNA structure, modern gene technologies and hands‑on labs.
The presenters also recommended changes in mathematics sequencing. The district will eliminate an Algebra 1a intervention course to promote access to grade‑level coursework and detrack offerings; the academic math course will absorb standards previously taught in Algebra 1a and will adopt the SREB Algebra I curriculum. The committee was told the standards geometry description will be revised to reflect the updated content and a new elective, Mathematical Design in the Arts, will give students hands‑on projects linking geometry, algebra, calculus and statistics.
Business and career‑technical program updates include two new AP courses: AP Business & Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. The district will also update descriptions for Launch Your Career Pre‑Apprenticeship and junior seminar college and career financial literacy to better align titles and content. ESOL staffing changes include removing an Introduction to Health and Fitness elective and consolidating the ESL Algebra 1a content into a single academic course with appropriate accommodations.
Presenters emphasized the importance of the upcoming course selection process, beginning in November, and said that guidance counselors will use updated materials to advise students on career pathways and post‑secondary plans. Parents and students will be able to view the Program of Studies and new course descriptions on the district website once finalized.
The committee thanked the presenters and had no outstanding objections; the item will appear on the Nov. 17 regular board agenda for formal action.
