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Board reviews updated program of studies: UCGS dual-enrollment, AP African American Studies and new CTE pathways
Summary
Administrators presented updates to the program of studies including adoption of the Universal Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) with up to 32 transferable credits via CHS and PVCC, proposed new courses (AP African American Studies, aerospace technology/drone certification), and guidance on sequencing and staffing needs.
School administrators outlined revisions to the program of studies designed to align course options with state requirements and give students clearer pathways to postsecondary credentials.
Doctor Eisley and Doctor Malone described the Universal Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) arrangement with PVCC that can allow students to earn up to 32 college credits via a mix of CHS dual-enrollment courses and PVCC online courses. Doctor Eisley said the arrangement is intended to save students money on college tuition and provide opportunities to participate in PVCC graduation, and Doctor Malone added the coursework is designed to transfer to Virginia four-year institutions if students meet GPA and admission requirements. "It's two years of coursework... it's a minimum GPA of 3.4," Doctor Malone said when asked about transfer standards.
The presentation also proposed adding AP African American Studies and changing physics to an honors designation; both additions were presented as not requiring new FTEs. Administrators outlined a set of CTE and pathway changes — including agricultural foundations, aerospace technology with an option to earn remote-pilot/drone certification, and expanded marketing and healthcare sequences — and noted some courses will require small staffing or one-time startup investments (for example, sculpture and 3-D design needs an initial outlay just under $17,000 for tools).
Board members and staff discussed access and equity: how the UCGS pathways will be communicated to students, whether Lugo and night-school students could access PVCC courses, and how counselors will work with students to map plans. Administrators said counselors meet with every student to develop individualized career and graduation plans and that asynchronous PVCC options may allow motivated students at alternative programs to participate in some offerings.
Next steps: the program of studies will be finalized and presented for approval at the January board meeting; staff will continue mapping FTE needs and provide communications and master-scheduling guidance for counselors and families.
