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District outlines 2026–27 Program of Studies with new financial-literacy and science-sequence proposals

Fall River Public Schools Structural Subcommittee · December 19, 2025

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Summary

Academic leads presented the 2026–27 Program of Studies, proposing an AP business & personal-finance course, financial-literacy electives, expanded mastery-based experiences and a shift toward a bio→physics→chemistry science sequence so most sophomores would take physics.

Academic leaders presented the Fall River Public Schools’ proposed 2026–27 Program of Studies to the structural subcommittee on Dec. 18, highlighting three priorities: real-world readiness, expanded student choice and a coherent science sequence.

The proposal includes adding an AP business and personal-finance course, a semester financial-literacy math elective, expanded multi-credit options and a PLTWAI (Project Lead The Way/AI) course to build skills in high-demand fields. Presenters also proposed renaming the senior-year course to "senior civic life and financial literacy" to better reflect embedded financial content.

On science, presenters recommended a clearer sequence so that most sophomores would take physics as part of a three-year sequence (biology, physics, chemistry), and said all three years would be supported by high-quality instructional materials. The team emphasized project-based 'Transformative Learning Experiences' (TLEs) and mastery-based pathways, including pilots to broaden access to college-credit or career-relevant credentials.

Committee members questioned how financial-literacy content would be delivered to students not in advanced programs; presenters said AP would be one option but the elective and embedded senior-course changes would ensure broader access. Members asked about a "fake news"/media-literacy module and journalists-in-residence-style projects; presenters said modules emphasize source credibility and include a final journalism project focusing on Fall River.

Members requested data on special-education inclusion rates and asked administrators to consider local agricultural CTE opportunities as part of longer-term expansion planning.