Longmeadow High School approves five program-of-studies changes including Latin I honors and applied exercise science

Longmeadow School Committee on Jan. 27 approved five revisions to the Longmeadow High School program of studies proposed by the department chair council.

Mr. Landers, presenting the recommendations, said the proposals aim to increase student opportunity and give appropriate credit for coursework. “The following proposals that I bring to you this evening come out of the department chair council,” he said, noting monthly review beginning in August and collaboration among content and special-education teachers.

The five changes include: condensing Biology Foundations so students earn a full year of biology credit in one year with a second year becoming anatomy and physiology; condensing Foundations geometry to one year; creating an Applied Exercise Science course that combines strength & conditioning with exercise science (eligible for 11th or 12th graders and counting toward the state PE requirement); and adding a Latin I honors option to provide parity with other languages where honors options exist.

Committee members clarified that Foundations courses remain IEP-team determined and intended for small cohorts. The presenter said the changes were developed with double-certified teachers and department chairs to ensure curricular integrity. A motion to approve the updated LHS educational-opportunities/program-of-studies changes carried on a roll-call vote.

What’s next: The high school will incorporate the changes into its scheduling and course catalog for the coming year; committees will monitor enrollment and outcomes for the revised foundations sequences.

Vote: Motion to approve program-of-studies changes — approved by roll-call vote.