Board reviews Program of Studies overhaul, adds an on-grade-level middle-school Math 7 option

Staff presented a reorganization of the Program of Studies intended to present courses as coherent pathways and to expand middle-school exploration and access. The presentation emphasized aligning course offerings, specialty centers and career pathways with student academic and career planning.

As part of the middle-school math evaluation, staff recommended closely monitoring sixth-grade students who remain in the extended Math 6–7 option while adding an on-grade Math 7 course for students recommended for grade-level instruction. "We added an on-grade-level course, math 7, for grade 7 students," the presenter said, noting families would have the option to remain in the extended 7–8 track if preferred.

Staff described work to expand exploratory nine-week courses in middle school tied to specialty centers, to formalize 'stacking' and cross-school distance-learning for low-enrollment courses, and to evaluate specialty centers at year three for effectiveness and alignment to local workforce credentials. The board discussed transparency to families about pathway access, late-entry options, and mechanisms to prevent mismatch between program promises and available seats.

Staff proposed returning a draft Program of Studies to the board Aug. 25 (work session), presenting a final draft Sept. 22 and taking action Oct. 13, allowing counselors time to incorporate course changes ahead of December registration and discovery nights. Staff also committed to providing data on Virtual Virginia usage and on which in-person students take virtual singleton courses.

Board members emphasized ensuring the Program of Studies is inclusive for on‑grade students as well as specialty-center students and requested enrollment percentages for students participating in pathways and specialty centers as follow-up.