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Scarborough board approves redesigned high school program of studies with new science and English pathways
Summary
The Scarborough School Board unanimously approved the 2026'27 high school program of studies, adding a foundations of science course, an introduction to biology and chemistry bridge course, a percussion performing-arts class, and new semester seminars in English while consolidating several existing courses.
The Scarborough Board of Education unanimously approved the high school program of studies for the 2026'27 school year after a presentation from Nate, the high school curriculum lead. The revision adds a full-year "Foundations of Science," introduces a bridge course called "Introduction to Biology and Chemistry," and restructures English into semester seminars such as "Memoir and Identity," "Psychology and Sociology in Literature," and a "Power, Persuasion and Politics" course.
The program of studies aims to expand pathways and create clearer alignment for students who enter with interrupted academic backgrounds and to offer more elective options for seniors. Nate said the science changes address persistent challenges students face transitioning from environmental science to biology, noting that biology'level courses require extended lab blocks and different preparation. "We're adding a bridge course to support students into biology without giving anyone an out," he said.
English will shift from static yearlong tracks into semester'long seminars offered at multiple levels, intended to give seniors deeper, focused study in topics such as memoir, media literacy, and character studies. The changes fold several existing courses (including Lit Theory 1 & 2) into new offerings and eliminate courses with persistent low enrollment, such as the earlier intro to photojournalism, which is being replaced by video productions.
Board members sought clarification on how career-and-technical-education (CTE) integrated-credit proposals would interact with the new English pathways; Nate said CTE would develop its own documentation and that accepted CTE credits would transfer under established advisory committee review processes.
The motion to approve the program of studies carried unanimously. The board then moved on to first readings of policy changes and routine appointments.
Votes at a glance: The board approved the program of studies by unanimous voice vote; the transcript records the outcome as unanimous but individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the minutes.
The board chair said the district will publish implementation details and noted that some course materials and teacher preparation funds are set aside in the budget to support summer course development.
