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Peoria Unified approves freshman biology pathway, adds pre-AP and AP options
Summary
The Peoria Unified Governing Board approved a redesigned high-school science pathway that begins with biology for freshmen (class of 2021), expands pre-AP/AP pathways, and creates an Earth/Space lab option; implementation planning, teacher certification checks, and professional development were discussed.
The Peoria Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously to adopt revised high-school science pathways that place biology as the freshman-level course beginning with the class of 2021 and add pre-AP and AP tracks to increase rigor and postsecondary readiness.
District presenters told the board the change aligns with research and common practice and is intended to give students more access to lab sciences and stronger preparation for STEM careers. “Beginning with biology for freshmen would allow students to take more rigorous science courses throughout their high school career,” a district presenter said during the presentation.
Under the proposed pathway, students will have opportunities for general education, pre-AP, AP and special education courses, plus a specifically developed Earth/Space lab course in the second year of implementation. The district said the pathway will require a two-year implementation plan including curriculum and assessment design, professional learning for teachers, and resource support.
Board members raised questions about teacher certification and staffing. Superintendent Dr. Stifler explained the district is auditing teacher qualifications and will work with teachers who may need additional subject-matter exams. “The state changes the rules about certification, not Peoria School District,” he said, noting state regulations require teachers to have content-specific certification when they teach biology, chemistry or physics.
Staff said the district will support teachers through testing and professional development; the district pays for the teacher’s first successful certification test. The initial year of implementation may require additional biology sections, but staff said they expect to staff them using current teachers and sections and will pursue grants and resources — including work by teacher leaders and content coaches — to support the rollout.
Public comment included support from community members emphasizing the importance of strengthening math and science instruction. After discussion the board approved the measure 5-0.
The district will convene teacher leaders and curriculum teams to finalize course designs and a schedule for rollout in the 2017–18 school year for the incoming freshman cohort.
