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New graduation requirement being considered By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer Nov. 28 - The class of 2006 may have to complete 28 classes before graduating, one more than the 27 now required. The school board’s curriculum committee discussed the proposal during a Monday afternoon’s meeting. Board approval will be required before becoming policy. Balanced literacy and advanced placement materials are on the top of many teachers’ wish list. The committee approved textbook waivers Monday. This move will allow teachers to order materials not on a state list. “This allows flexibility within guidelines,” said Elaine Jenkins, assistant superintendent of curriculum. With the introduction of the balanced literacy program, many classrooms set aside a portion of the day for silent reading. Some have established mini-libraries in the classroom. High school advanced placement classes, which garner students college credit, are also requiring supplies not on the state list. The science classes have more complex labs, computer software for math classes is more involved than standard classes and literature classes require more supplemental reading, Jenkins said. “It has to be equivalent to any college class,” she said. A review committee consisting of Jenkins, assistant principals for instruction, counselors, vocational counselors, the technology preparation coordinator and director of workforce development have recommended six additional classes be added to the county’s curriculum. Advanced food, honors level physical science, honors chorus, honors physical science, children’s literature and learn and serve classes are proposed. The food class would be the capstone of a career and college tech prep food program. Administrators hope the physical science class could boost physics enrollment and give gifted students a greater challenge. “The science teachers are really excited about this,” Jenkins said. The children’s literature class is for students in the teacher cadet program. Jenkins described the honors chorus as “not just more of the same” as regular chorus. She is recommending it be as rigorous as honors band. The learn and serve class is only for Asbury, the system’s alternate school. It encourages hands on learning through community service. The committee recommended seven classes be eliminated. Conversational French, sculptural exploration and recent U.S. history have not attracted enough enrollment, Jenkins said. A real life skills class is being replaced by the occupational diploma course of study. A specialist internship class is no longer needed because other classes cover internships. Sports management is scheduled for replacement by a sports medicine class. Officials also hope to add a summer reading component to all honors English classes.
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