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Committee adopts program-of-studies updates including new electives, home-economics pilot and finance pathways
Summary
RSU 11/MSAD 11’s curriculum committee approved program-of-studies changes Feb. 3 covering electives, a proposed Foundations for Independent Living course (home economics), world-language textbook requests, and redesigned career-education and personal-finance pathways; all votes were unanimous.
The RSU 11/MSAD 11 curriculum committee unanimously approved a set of updates to the district’s program of studies on Feb. 3 that include several elective additions, a proposal for a Foundations for Independent Living elective (home economics), and revised career-education and personal-finance pathways.
Angela Hardy, director of curriculum, said the packet shows electives labeled as new that previously did not run due to low enrollment; they will remain available on the books and run only if student interest and scheduling permit. A marine biology elective was listed as contingent on enrollment.
Hardy presented a Foundations for Independent Living elective that would teach basic life skills — food preparation, nutrition, basic sewing, household management, introductory car care and personal finance — using existing life-skills spaces in the building and potential community partnerships such as the Boys and Girls Club. "Students have been asking for this; our strategic-listening sessions reinforced community interest," Hardy said.
Career-education requirements were clarified: one half-credit in career readiness and one half-credit in financial education. The committee approved three pathways to meet the financial-education requirement: a renamed Personal Finance Literacy (formerly Life and Work), a JMG financial-fitness semester (taught by Britney Jiro), and Personal Finance Math (an updated Financial Algebra course with an added unit). Staff said these pathways help distribute the workload after a reduction in career-education staff.
A motion to approve the Program of Studies updates passed unanimously. Staff will add the changes to the course catalog and proceed with any facility or partnership discussions needed to deliver new electives.
Committee members asked staff to monitor elective enrollments and return updates if scheduling or staffing problems arise. The curriculum office did not present new budget figures for facilities or partnerships; staff said those details will be explored and presented during budget planning if required.
