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Munster schools add work-based learning courses and update high-ability identification guidance

School Town of Munster Board of School Trustees · January 13, 2026
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Summary

Munster High will add two work-based learning courses for 2026–27 and the district’s High Ability committee updated its handbook to reflect new state guidance on automatic advanced math placement for certain 5th–7th graders; appeals procedures remain unchanged for 2025–26.

Administrators outlined curriculum and program changes for the 2026–27 school year at the School Town of Munster board meeting.

At Munster High School, the district plans to add two work-based learning courses — an Employment Skills Development course and a Career Exploration Internship — to support diploma seals that require internship or work-based learning hours (the district described a 75-hour internship requirement for the college seal and 150 hours for the employment seal). Presenters said about 50 students participated in internships this year and they expect up to roughly 375 students in coming years as the programs expand. The district is using Google forms and a landing page to solicit employer partners and contact information; virtual internships and out-of-state placements were described as options.

The High Ability broad-based planning committee reviewed identification practices to comply with state guidance (read in the meeting as a citation to Indiana code) that newly requires automatic placement in advanced mathematics for fifth- through seventh-graders who meet iLearn math proficiency and course-grade criteria. Because official iLearn results will not be available until September 2026, state guidance recommends using interim local measures (checkpoint scores and other achievement data) for fall placement; the district will not change its appeals process for 2025–26 but will continue committee work and reconvene on Jan. 15 to refine the handbook.

Trustees asked about safety and vetting for internship placements; administrators said background checks, FERPA/HIPAA considerations (for hospital placements) and insurance paperwork are being adapted to accommodate a wider range of partner organizations. No formal board action was required for the curriculum changes reported; staff will continue outreach and return with materials as programs expand.