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Colonial SD staff propose AP Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity to expand high-school options
Summary
District curriculum staff presented two new AP course proposals (AP Business & Personal Finance; AP Cybersecurity) for grades 10–12, citing high AP enrollment in 2024–25, potential college credit and industry-recognized credentials, and a request for one additional business staff member to meet student demand.
District curriculum staff on Monday presented two new Advanced Placement course proposals intended to broaden access to AP coursework and meet state financial-literacy requirements.
Dr. Birkani and Mr. Price told the Curriculum Committee that the College Board’s Career & College programs now include AP Business and Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity, both targeted at students in grades 10–12. "The College Board collaborated with multiple companies, CompTIA, Oracle, IBM, West Bank, and my daughter's favorite, Sephora," a presenter said, to emphasize the industry connections that underpin the Career & College strand.
Staff said the courses would offer the usual AP potential for college credit (students who score a 3 or above may receive credit depending on institution) and, for the first time in some pathways, industry-recognized credentials that students can earn while still in high school. Presenters described two implementation strands—career and technical education (CTE) and the business pathway—and said the courses would be available to all students through course selection.
District staff also flagged capacity constraints in the business department and requested one additional staff member, saying that more than 200 students were unable last year to enroll in intro business, career financial management or a business elective. Board members asked whether AP Business with Personal Finance would satisfy the district’s graduation requirement for financial literacy beginning with the class of 2027; staff confirmed it would.
No formal vote was recorded during the presentation. Staff said the proposals are supported by department leadership and would appear on the consent or action agenda at an upcoming board meeting for formal consideration. The committee’s discussion also touched on master-schedule constraints for approximately 1,600 students, the priority of graduation requirements, and advising strategies to ensure students pick AP courses that align with their postsecondary goals.
The committee did not take a final vote on the courses during the session; staff said they will return with scheduling details and next steps when the proposals reach the full board agenda.
