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Chico Unified board approves 'basic' course classifications aimed at increasing special-education access
Summary
The Chico Unified Board approved new 'basic' course proposals for students placed via IEPs, clarifying these are special-education classifications (not general-education) intended to expand access to core curriculum. Assistant Principal Sarah Pus explained transcript and scheduling reasons for the change.
The Chico Unified School District Board of Education on April 17 approved a set of new "basic" course proposals designed to align transcript classifications and increase access to general-education curriculum for students with individualized education programs (IEPs).
Assistant Principal Sarah Pus of Chico High School told the board the district already provides basic classifications in English and math and is proposing six additional course titles — basic American government/civics, basic biology, basic economics, basic physics, basic U.S. history and basic world history — so records and schedules reflect what students are actually taught. "These are not general education classes; they are still classified very specifically as special ed," Pus said, adding the intent is greater access to grade-level curriculum with appropriate scaffolding and supports.
Board members asked whether the basic courses would be standalone sections and how co-teaching fits into the model. Pus said sections depend on enrollment and that some basic classes are co-taught; the district aims to place students via the IEP process in the least restrictive environment and to increase collaboration between special-education and general-education teachers.
Public comment earlier in the meeting had flagged concerns about declines in co-teaching at the secondary level. Parent Elaine Ward said she had been told co-teaching "is no longer happening at the secondary level," expressing disappointment and urging a reevaluation to retain and support co-teach staffing models that serve students with IEPs.
The board approved the consent calendar with the pulled-course items handled according to the motion on the floor; members noted the course changes are currently implemented at Chico High but available districtwide for scheduling as needed. One board member said they might abstain on the particular course item pending further review, though the broader consent vote passed by roll call.
What happens next: the new course titles will be added to the district master schedule and used for transcript/reporting alignment; staffing, enrollments and scheduling details will determine how many sections run at each site and whether additional co-taught sections are created.
