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District 86 presents first reading of program of studies; earned‑honors pathways and AP precalculus included
Summary
At a first reading of the 2025–26 program of studies, the administration clarified social-studies graduation credits, included board-approved AP precalculus, proposed earned‑honors options for electives and stacked classes, and noted plans to consider expanding ASL offerings.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86 held a first reading of its draft 2025–26 program of studies on Oct. 24, 2024, with administrators emphasizing clarity and incremental updates rather than sweeping changes.
Presenters said the packet contains formatting and policy-accuracy edits (not substantive changes) including a corrected social-studies graduation total that accounts for a civics requirement (2.5 credits total). The board‑approved AP precalculus course and an early‑bird physical‑education option for grades 9 and 10 are included. Administrators added a new section listing student‑aid opportunities to increase awareness of existing resources.
The meeting included an extended discussion of "earned honors," a program that lets students obtain honors credit within otherwise standard or stacked classes if they meet additional expectations. Two earned‑honors tracks were described: (1) courses already offered in stacked form where students can earn honors during the term, and (2) standard courses newly identified for an honors option through teacher‑designed additional expectations. Trustees asked for data on prior pilot results and urged caution where honors would be added to standard-only courses.
Board members also raised American Sign Language. Administrators said ASL remains staffed through a deaf/hard-of-hearing agreement (LADSI) and is currently housed at Hinsdale South, and they will examine provision at Central as discussions continue in a World Language working group.
The program of studies will return for further committee review and a second reading; administrators said they will continue community engagement and will present more information at the academic committee the following morning.
