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Board approves automation-and-robotics CTE program and reclassifies forensic science credit
Summary
The board approved a new automation and robotics CTE program aligned to workforce needs and the CHIPS in Science Act, and moved the district's forensic science course from a science credit to a general elective following state classification changes.
The Tempe Union High School District Governing Board approved course proposal updates that include a new automation and robotics Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and an update to the credit alignment for an existing forensic science course.
Mr. Thredgell, presenting for Teaching & Learning, said district staff and CTE director Eric Sorensen researched the new automation and robotics program after the Arizona Department of Education introduced the pathway and noted local demand in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. He tied the request to federal and state workforce initiatives, mentioning the CHIPS in Science Act signed Aug. 9, 2022. The presentation requested board approval to begin the program as early as next school year.
On the forensic science course, Thredgell said the Arizona Department of Education no longer recognizes forensic science as a CTE pathway; as a result, the district will change its credit from a science credit to a general elective so students receive the correct credit when they take the course.
Member Barraza praised the automation and robotics proposal and cited local demand from semiconductor companies and related internships. The board moved approval of the item and voted 4-0 to adopt the course changes.
The approved items authorize district staff to implement the new CTE program planning and to update course catalogs and registration materials to reflect the forensic science credit reclassification.
