Marple Newtown previews new AP cybersecurity, combined coding course and highlights assessment gains and AI rollout
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Summary
District staff proposed an AP cybersecurity course and a combined "Coding for the Future" course, outlined a timeline to update the 2026-27 course guide, summarized statewide assessment results showing gains in AP participation and average scores, and described an ongoing districtwide rollout of artificial-intelligence lessons and a device-free high-school program.
Marple Newtown School District officials on Jan. 13 outlined proposed course changes and presented finalized student-assessment data for 2024-25, and they described an expanding districtwide rollout of artificial-intelligence training.
Christian, a district curriculum presenter, said the high school will seek approval to offer College Board's new AP Cybersecurity course in 2026-27 and that the course includes an industry-recognized credential for students who score 4 or 5 on the AP exam. He asked the board to approve updates to the 2026-27 course guide (targeting a Jan. 16 release) and described a plan to combine existing short-term Java and Python classes into a single "Coding for the Future" offering with a greater focus on AI-assisted learning and interdisciplinary, project-driven design.
Christian also described state-required changes: the district will assign a standalone personal-finance course to sophomores in 2026-27 to meet legislative requirements; he said about 180 students are currently enrolled across six sections of personal finance and estimated roughly 600 unique students take that content across four years at the high school, which serves roughly 1,250 students daily.
A second presenter reviewed state assessment results and accountability measures. The presenter said the district is measured on achievement and growth, reported that most district scores exceeded Pennsylvania state averages, and highlighted improvements at the high school: SAT/ACT trends are up and AP participation rose from 367 students in 2018 to 786 in 2025 while the district's average AP score increased from 2.43 to 3.51. The presenter explained the College Board's "equity and excellence" metric and said 34% of the graduating class took at least one AP test and scored a 3 or better.
Administrators described an ongoing rollout of AI training (district-chosen platform referenced in the packet) with K-12 lessons and continuing professional development for teachers, and they reported strong early results for a device-free pilot at the high school, saying teachers report improved student focus.
Next steps: administrators will return course updates for formal approval and post assessment materials to the district website.