District introduces 'Foundations of Data Science' course for possible adoption; vote expected at next meeting

Curriculum staff brought a proposed Foundations of Data Science course to the full board for discussion, describing it as a potential fourth-year math elective and an answer to growing local workforce demand for data-related skills.

Megan Wei said the course introduces students to data-life cycles, data collection and visualization, statistical analysis and tools such as Python and Jupyter Notebook, and includes real-world projects such as a social-networking data analysis. Wei noted that in the county’s "hot jobs" list, data-science–related positions were projected to grow markedly and that the district’s CTE advisory board encouraged more data-focused offerings.

Trustees asked whether the course would be limited to seniors (staff said they would start with seniors and open remaining seats to juniors), whether certifications (Excel, Google, Python) could be offered, and how AI and business analytics (Power BI) would be incorporated. Wei and staff indicated they are exploring certification opportunities and that Mr. McDowell (CTE/computer-science teacher) is evaluating technical components such as Python instruction.

The curriculum committee recommended that the course follow the district’s normal adoption process: committee review, board discussion, and a vote at the next meeting. Trustees requested additional detail on certification pathways and enrollment caps before final approval.