Board approves high-school program of studies revisions including new marine science and AP options
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Summary
The board approved second-reading revisions to the high-school program of studies, adding marine science and AP pre-calculus, adopting AP Career Kickstart courses (AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity), renaming a computer applications course, expanding AP Psychology access to 10th grade, and removing five low-enrollment or outdated courses.
The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved second-reading revisions to the high-school program of studies during the Feb. 3 meeting to expand student opportunities and align course descriptions with updated Maryland College and Career Readiness standards.
Program presenters said there were no substantive changes since the first reading on Jan. 8 and summarized key updates: a new marine science course to provide a half-credit option tied to the health-2 graduation requirement; AP pre-calculus to mirror existing calculus sequences; adoption of the College Board's AP Career Kickstart options (AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity) that may allow both college credit and industry-recognized credentials; renaming "Computer Applications in Financial and Data Management" to "Managing Business Data with Microsoft tools" and revising its description to remove prerequisites; expanding academic psychology to allow 10th-grade enrollment; and removing five low-enrollment or outdated courses (including several algebra sequences) to reduce scheduling and staffing pressures.
Presenters noted the changes are intended to increase access and clarity for students and families, reduce low-enrollment sections, and align course weights and dual-enrollment policies with board policy IKB. The board approved the motion to adopt the program-of-studies revisions by voice vote.
Board members asked clarifying questions about enrollment impacts and thanked staff for the presentation.
