Board hears data showing AP students’ stronger in‑building growth, approves new data‑science elective
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Summary
District presenters showed in‑district AP and on‑campus English instruction correlated with larger SAT gains and lower per‑student costs than many dual‑enrollment arrangements; trustees approved a new 'Careers in Data Science' elective for 2026–27.
Trustees heard a detailed presentation comparing Advanced Placement (AP) courses with dual enrollment options and approved a new elective, Careers in Data Science, for the 2026–27 school year.
Megan Waite, who brought the review to the curriculum committee, and Miss Irish presented data showing students who take English courses on campus grew about 59 points on average from 10th to 11th grade SAT administrations, compared with roughly 10.5 points for students taking off‑campus dual‑enrollment English classes. Presenters emphasized that AP classes are primarily taught by district staff in‑person, while most dual‑enrollment seats the district currently uses are online and cost about $1,600 per course per student versus an estimated $550 per student per course in‑district (staff cost average used in the analysis). Presenters said the Pupil Accounting Manual suggests districts should not allow dual enrollment for courses the district offers unless there is a scheduling conflict.
Trustees discussed tradeoffs: several pointed to the value of dual enrollment for students seeking an associate degree or specific pathways, while others emphasized the educational benefits, test‑score growth, and social supports associated with in‑building AP instruction. A trustee noted some students use dual enrollment for scheduling convenience (to avoid an early class). Trustees agreed the district should steer students toward AP where appropriate while maintaining dual‑enrollment options for students whose needs or schedules make that pathway better.
On related curriculum actions, the board approved adding a one‑section Careers in Data Science elective for 2026–27, intended as a fourth‑year math option that leverages Excel, Python and other practical skills, with Mr. McDowell (computer science teacher) slated to teach the pilot section.
Next steps: administration will implement the approved course for 2026–27, align counselors to help students choose AP versus dual‑enrollment pathways, and follow the Pupil Accounting Manual’s guidance on allowable dual‑enrollment placements.