Board approves new Honors Engineering Essentials high‑school course
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Summary
The Anne Arundel County Board of Education approved a full‑year, 1‑credit Honors Engineering Essentials course for grades 9–12 aimed at broadening access to Project Lead The Way pathways across comprehensive high schools; board vote passed 8–0.
The Anne Arundel County Board of Education on Feb. 4 approved a new Honors Engineering Essentials course, a full‑year, 1‑credit high‑school introduction to engineering intended for grades 9–12 and aligned with the Project Lead The Way pathway.
Assistant Superintendent Kevin Hamlin presented the proposal, saying the course is designed for students without prior technical coursework and will introduce the engineering design process, 3‑D modeling, geographic information systems and prototyping tools. Hamlin said the course aims to develop critical thinking and problem‑solving skills that apply beyond engineering careers.
Board members asked whether the course would be available across all comprehensive high schools and whether new staff would be required. Hamlin said the course is intended to expand access across all comprehensive high schools and that current technology‑education staff will be trained to teach it, so no new hires are expected.
After discussion the board moved to approve the course. A roll‑call vote recorded eight yes votes, zero no votes; the motion passed 8–0. The superintendent had recommended implementation for the 2027–28 school year.
The district will begin curriculum writing and professional development work ahead of the planned offering. The board’s approval allows schools to add the course to course catalogs and begin scheduling and staffing plans in advance of the 2027–28 school year.