Committee approves Rogers High program of studies after teacher calls for U.S. history/civics requirement

The Newport School Committee voted to approve the Rogers High School program of studies for the 2025–26 school year after a presentation of course updates and a public comment calling for stronger, codified U.S. history and civics requirements.

Colleen Turner (S20), a Rogers teacher and History Department head, asked the board to require both U.S. History I (which houses the civics curriculum and constitution benchmark) and U.S. History II as two of a three‑year social studies graduation minimum. “...I think having U.S. History 1 and U.S. History 2 be 2 out of the 3 years requirement is a valid suggestion,” Turner said, and also urged consideration of increasing the total credits from the current 20 minimum used in some districts.

Presentation slides and the school‑level summary showed course description updates in English and fine arts, a proposed name change to Art Appreciation, an appointment of a permanent band teacher, and plans to expand Portuguese offerings. Administrators noted the state’s updated high‑school requirements for the class of 2028 and that some changes (world language credits; specified math sequencing and personal finance) were incorporated last year.

Committee members asked whether making U.S. History I a graduation requirement was within district authority; members were told the committee can adopt requirements but that administrators would return with specific language. Several members expressed support for codifying civics content and asked staff to place the item on a future agenda for formal consideration.

The motion to approve the program of studies passed following discussion and a public exchange with Turner. The board asked staff to follow up with an agenda item to consider adding required U.S. History I/civics language.