Board reviews five new course proposals, including AP 'access' courses and an auto‑enroll pilot

Principal Warnke presented five proposed courses for the high school and described why each was recommended. He said AP Computer Science Principles is an AP 'access' course developed to be project‑based and to build skills to prepare students for higher‑level AP coursework; he described a major assessment piece in which students develop an app. He said AP Seminar is another AP access course with competencies that align to English 10 and is proposed as a replacement for the district’s honors English 10 option.

Warnke described Chemistry in the Community as a lower‑math alternative intended to increase access for students for whom math is a barrier. He said the district is required by Minnesota to add an ethnic studies course; the social studies department would develop that course locally with community input and teacher Sarah Andrews has been actively involved. The final proposal was a sports‑management/PE course covering injury prevention, coaching and officiating; Warnke said he had discussed concurrent‑credit possibilities with WSU and highlighted Bill Jacobs' practical expertise.

Warnke also explained an 'auto enrollment' concept considered at a College Board AP summit: students who meet pre‑set performance criteria (grades or assessment results) could be auto‑enrolled into higher‑rigor classes unless they opt out, to increase access for students who might not self‑select into rigorous courses. Board members discussed balancing student choice for electives, supports for students entering at different preparation levels, marketing to students (an AP fair), PLC support and the need to ensure no student is limited from pursuing rigor. The proposals will return to the board for formal action at a future meeting.