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Board approves Program of Studies changes: new ag pathway, ELD courses and dual‑credit nursing option
Summary
The board approved changes to the 2026–27 Program of Studies that add courses including Agriculture 1 & 2, ELD-focused classes, video game design, fibers, a proposed Freshman Academy option for eighth graders and a dual‑credit nursing pathway in partnership with Graceland University and MCC Early College Academy.
The Independent Missouri School District board approved revisions to the 2026–27 Program of Studies after a presentation from district staff and students that highlighted new course offerings and postsecondary partnerships.
Dr. Maglinger and his team walked the board through a slate of classroom changes and additions that district leaders said grew from teacher, student and partner input. New or expanded offerings include English Language Development (ELD) and ELD essential literacy courses intended to strengthen foundational literacy and algebra concepts for English‑language learners; semester art course "Fibers"; social studies electives including Native American history and cultural human geography; and a pilot video game design course within the computer networking and systems pathway.
Student presenters from William Christman High School urged the board to add Freshman Academy: Career Explo as an option in eighth grade so students can begin academy pathway planning earlier. "If we put it in eighth grade, then we give people more time ... to make sure they're getting all their credits," said Levi Smith, a senior and district ambassador. Jacob Grama, another student presenter, described how earlier access would have allowed him to explore a different academy path sooner and better balance course sequencing.
A significant programmatic addition is an agricultural pathway. Senior Brandon Kaufman described family farm roots and local demand: "The proposal of agriculture program helps kids like me ... to lower the age of farmers." Administrators told the board they found high student interest — citing roughly 200 Truman High students indicating interest — and said Ag 1 will be taught across the district next year.
The board also heard about a dual‑credit nursing pathway in collaboration with Graceland University. Administrators plan to offer a three‑period program (rather than four, reducing travel time) that includes a dual‑credit medical terminology course and an onsite CNA option housed at Graceland's unused nursing lab; Graceland representatives said participation could create an accelerated admission pathway into Graceland's nursing program for qualifying students.
Board members asked about staffing, prerequisites for the video game design pilot, ELL student percentages, and whether EMT offerings might be available through MCC; presenters said some questions (ELL percentage, final staffing) would be answered later and that the video game class would run as a pilot without prerequisites next year.
The board approved the Program of Studies changes by voice vote.
