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Sharon High proposes program‑of‑studies updates, debates AP access and GPA reporting
Summary
Principal Keenan presented tweaks to the high‑school program of studies — TECA online transition, AP exam fee policy at $99, and dual weighted/unweighted GPA reporting — and showed roughly 300 parent override requests this year. Committee members debated widening AP access versus preserving aggregate scores and asked for phased, consultative implementation.
Principal Keenan presented the first part of Sharon High School’s program of studies and fielded a broad committee discussion on AP access, prerequisites and GPA reporting.
Key changes Keenan outlined included transitioning virtual course offerings to TECA (with potential cost savings), leaving the AP exam fee at the College Board cost of $99, and publishing both weighted and unweighted GPA to provide families the fuller context of student records. Keenan said the program‑of‑studies language will change the phrase "department recommendation" to "qualification," while keeping an override/appeal process that requires a family‑teacher discussion.
Keenan reported nearly 300 override requests this year and presented data showing median performance differentials between qualified students and those who overrode into courses (for some courses the differential was material). Keenan emphasized logistical constraints — master‑schedule complexity, singleton courses, staffing and certification — that complicate late schedule changes for students who later find a course overwhelming.
Committee members debated tradeoffs. Some, including Avi and Adam, urged expanding access but stressed that expansion should include scaffolding and supports so students can succeed. Others, including Joel and Dan, said the community must accept that greater participation can widen the bell curve and temporarily depress aggregate AP score averages or public profile metrics but can be valuable for college readiness and student development.
Keenan recommended a phased, consultative approach that includes student input, faculty voice and clear communication to families about expected outcomes and the override process. The administration said a fuller program‑of‑studies presentation that includes department additions will be given in January, followed by continued committee review.
Next steps: the school will present department additions in January, continue conversations about GPA display and consider pilot or phased approaches to widen AP access while planning supports for students who enter higher‑level courses.
