Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hampton County to add a fifth period 'CAT 5' and double-block key high-school courses to boost interventions
Summary
Curriculum staff proposed shifting Hampton County High School from a straight 4x4 block to a "4x4 plus a skinny" schedule ("CAT 5") to create a fifth period for targeted intervention, expanded test-prep, double-blocking of EOC courses and new local board-approved courses; the board approved the course list for 2026–27.
Christy Woods, the district director of curriculum, told the board the district is using I-Ready diagnostic reports and a "within 10" analysis to identify students closest to the next proficiency band and place them in targeted instruction ahead of state tests. Woods said those diagnostics informed new small-group interventions and test-prep boot camps.
To provide in-day intervention time at Hampton County High School, staff proposed moving from a straight 4x4 block to a 4x4 plus a "skinny" period (called "CAT 5"). "It's called the CAT 5," Woods said, explaining the period will be used for intensive intervention (MTSS), acceleration and test preparation (SAT/ACT/AP/ASVAB), and to create flexibility for double-blocking EOCC/EO C courses such as algebra, biology and U.S. history. She also described changes to locally approved courses (e.g., replacing some "foundations" classes with early American history and integrated science, adding a math-ready precursor to Algebra I, and expanding layered test-prep options).
The board approved the 2026–27 local course list as presented; Woods said staff will provide a highlighted packet showing what changed from last year and will work with principals to implement the schedule changes and new course offerings.
The schedule change is intended to give teachers structured time and the district flexibility to place students in the most appropriate interventions without relying solely on after-school programs.
