Board approves Holocaust studies, modern-history/9-11 and new PE course; asks for AP pass-rate data

The Rice Lake Area School District board on June 23 approved three new high-school courses and advanced a policy on promotion and retention for third-to-fourth graders.

During the curriculum committee update, a board member moved to add "Holocaust Studies, Modern History and 9-11 and Fit for Life 2" to the permanent rotation of classes; another board member seconded the motion and the board approved the additions by voice vote. "I would move to put Holocaust studies, modern history and 9-11 and fit for life 2," said a board member during the motion.

The committee also reviewed year-one feedback for AP World History. Staff explained the course had been offered as dual credit this year because a staff member was on leave and a college professor taught the class; the board asked staff to provide pass-rate information for AP Psychology and other AP courses. The transcript records the board asking for those pass-rate figures and staff saying, "We can get that information."

Separately, the board completed a required second reading and approved policy 344.43 on promotion and retention from third to fourth grade; a board member noted the review was necessary to meet a July 1 deadline. The motion to approve carried on a voice vote.

What this means for students

Approved courses will be added to the high-school course rotation, with curriculum and scheduling details to be handled by the administration and the curriculum committee. Staff committed to returning with AP test pass-rate data at a future meeting.

Next steps

Implementation timelines and any required staffing or resource changes will be discussed by the curriculum committee and brought back to the board for any further approvals.