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Millburn Board expands STEM and math pathways and launches Seton Hall dual‑enrollment pilot
Summary
Millburn Township School District presented revised science and math pathways, a split AP Physics C offering, expanded AP Computer Science access and a new dual‑enrollment pilot with Seton Hall that will let qualifying students earn college credit at $110 per credit. Board discussion focused on access, readiness criteria and implementation supports.
The Millburn Township Board of Education heard detailed presentations on Monday night outlining revised science and mathematics course pathways and the district’s first dual‑enrollment partnership with Seton Hall University.
Assistant Superintendent John Connolly and district directors introduced the changes, which administrators said align the district with new state graduation language and expand options for students to earn college credit. ‘‘We’re opening AP Computer Science Principles to ninth graders who meet specific criteria and adding a dual‑enrollment environmental science course that carries Seton Hall credit,’’ said Christy Young, director of STEM, describing the district’s effort to broaden access to STEM courses.
The science presentation by Andrea Noor, secondary supervisor for science and technology, explained that New Jersey’s shift to ‘‘evidence‑based’’ science instruction (effective for incoming ninth graders in fall 2026) requires hands‑on, three‑dimensional practices. Noor said the district’s integrated chemistry and earth‑science course already meets the state’s expectation for including earth and space sciences. She also announced a proposed split of AP Physics C into two distinct courses (Mechanics; Electricity & Magnetism) to allow more students to pursue AP Physics options.
Leanne Martin, director of mathematics, outlined middle‑ and high‑school math revisions designed to create clearer pathways to calculus. Changes include renaming precalculus options, adding a new College Algebra with Trigonometry course after Algebra II, a dual‑enrollment probability and statistics option, and "double‑up" opportunities (e.g., a grade‑10 geometry + Algebra 2 double‑up) so motivated students can reach calculus by grade 12. Martin said multivariable calculus is planned for 2027–28.
Catherine Alvarez, director of student personnel and guidance, presented the district’s pilot dual‑enrollment agreement with Seton Hall University. Alvarez said the initial course slate includes English (British literature), environmental science, calculus, probability and statistics, Latin/Greco‑Roman mythology, and pending fine‑arts offerings. ‘‘Dual enrollment will count toward graduation and produce an official Seton Hall transcript,’’ Alvarez said. She added that the university charges $110 per credit (about $330 for a typical three‑credit course) and that counselors will support students through registration and ongoing monitoring.
Board members asked several implementation questions during Q&A. Member Kasten sought clarification on middle‑school preparation; Noor said the district uses vertical articulation and CER (claim‑evidence‑reasoning) in eighth‑grade biology to align students for high‑school work. Members also pressed for clarity on eligibility criteria for accelerated or early college courses; administrators said some courses carry specific prerequisites (course grade plus NJSLA ‘‘exceeding’’ performance in certain cases) while others, including several dual‑enrollment classes, have no minimum grade requirement as part of the district’s ‘‘challenge by choice’’ approach. Alvarez said the initial pilot will advise counselors to limit students to one or two Seton Hall courses in year one and that the district is exploring supports for families who may need financial assistance.
The sessions emphasized monitoring: Martin said the district will continue tracking double‑up students and adjust supports, and Alvarez said a parent registration night will be held in August ahead of course starts in September.
What’s next: administrators will finalize course descriptions in the program of studies, hold parent education/registration events, and roll dual‑enrollment sections in September as part of a phased pilot. The board’s program committee recommended approval of the dual‑enrollment overview earlier in the meeting.
