Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts program‑of‑studies update to add Forensic Science and retain Chemistry 2 option
Summary
The board approved changes to the 2026–27 program of studies to properly label an existing offering as Forensic Science (using NCES description) and to retain Chemistry 2 as an optional course subject to enrollment and staffing. The change aligns course codes with updated state standards.
The Montgomery County School Board approved amendments to the secondary program of studies on Feb. 3, adopting a Forensic Science course description and retaining Chemistry 2 as an option for students should enrollment and staffing permit.
Dr. Lori Comr, director of secondary education, explained that the course previously listed as "Chemistry 2" had functioned as a forensic science offering in practice. The Virginia Department of Education adopted new standards for Chemistry 2 in December 2025, which created a mismatch between the label and the course content. To align course labels and state standards, the administration proposed moving the course into a Forensic Science classification with a proper national course description, and leaving Chemistry 2 available as a distinct offering.
A motion approved the program of studies "with the two amendments: use the Forensic Science National Center for Education Statistics course description and retain Chemistry 2 with the administration‑provided description." Board members discussed textbook adoption timing and whether current AP/DE chemistry materials could support a one‑semester Chemistry 2 offering if interest materialized.
Administrators said textbook adoption would follow the usual board process and that Chemistry 2 would only be offered where enrollment and staffing allowed (a commonly applied 15‑student threshold was discussed).
The motion carried on roll call during the meeting; the change is effective for the 2026–27 registration cycle, and the division will follow its textbook adoption procedures if courses make.
This summary is drawn from the board’s Feb. 3 meeting presentation and recorded vote.
