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Board hears first reading on AP Physics C and five honors VAPA courses; second reading set for January
Summary
Staff presented six proposed high-school courses, including AP Physics C (calculus co‑requisite) and five visual/performing‑arts honors courses. Staff said surveys and enrollment patterns indicate sufficient interest to run at least one AP Physics C section; the item returns for a second reading Jan. 8.
Assistant Superintendent Ariel Dolowich and Piedmont High School Principal David Yoshihara presented a first reading of six proposed new high‑school courses on Wednesday: AP Physics C (two‑semester, calculus‑based sequence) and five honors-level visual and performing arts (VAPA) courses including honors acting, honors jazz band, honors orchestra, honors dance and honors symphonic band.
Ariel Dolowich said student survey results and math‑department enrollment suggest sufficient demand to offer at least one AP Physics C section next year. "There is considerable interest, from our students in a calculus based advanced physics course," Dolowich said, and staff noted calculus as a co‑requisite rather than a prerequisite. Principal Yoshihara and department chairs explained that teacher training and staffing conversations are in progress; the cost for AP summer teacher training was described as modest and the PEF has indicated conditional support for training costs.
On the VAPA side, staff said the honors courses are intended to formalize existing advanced-level work in ensemble and production classes and provide an honors pathway for students already doing extra rehearsal, leadership, and production work. Trustees asked for more explicit data about current enrollments in upper-level VAPA sections and how the honors designation would change expectations and outcomes; staff agreed to return with additional materials for the Jan. 8 second reading so the incoming board can review the proposal before a vote.
