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Board approves new elective 'Introduction to U.S. History' to boost student readiness
Summary
The board approved an elective two-semester 'Introduction to U.S. History' designed to give students extra preparation and literacy practice before the full U.S. history course; the course aligns to state standards and will be available in 2026–27.
District staff presented and the board approved an innovative elective course, 'Introduction to U.S. History', to begin in the 2026–27 school year. Dr. Whiteside said the course was developed in response to a February request from high-school principals to provide an expanded preparatory pathway for students who struggle in the one-semester US history sequence; the new elective spreads U.S. history content across two semesters to build background knowledge, historical vocabulary and writing skills.
Dr. Whiteside told the board the course scope aligns with South Carolina social-studies college- and career-readiness standards and the state constitution and emphasized that the course is elective and does not include an end-of-course exam. The course will be offered at multiple high schools and staff said teachers who helped develop the proposal will support implementation and teacher preparation this summer.
Trustees expressed support for the course and thanked staff and the teachers involved in development. The motion to add the course to the district curriculum passed unanimously.
