The School Committee approved several small changes to the Bedford High School program of studies at its virtual meeting Tuesday. The committee is required to approve a program of studies annually.
BHS Principal Heather Galante told the committee that the review process for the program of studies has been ongoing for the past two months, involving the high school administrative team, program directors, and program administrators.
She noted that the program of studies underwent a “major organizational overhaul” a few years ago when courses were added, “to better reflect the needs of our students.” As a result, “the changes tonight are fairly minimal.” Indeed, most were removals:
- A new course, “computer science principles,” which Assistant BHS Principal Thomas Casey described as an introductory honors course for students in grades 9-12.
- Removal of a course called “continuing algebra I/geometry.” Assistant Principal Daniel Hudder explained that this is “part of a long-term plan to phase out the ‘continuing courses’ in math.” He labeled them “tweener” courses and noted, “We have more than an adequate number of diff options for students at every level.”
- Removal of two courses that aren’t running: foundations of geometry and science and engineering practices.
- Removal of a course called calculus projects, which is now “a thriving program that operates in the summer,” said Hudder.
- Removal of environmental science, which was replaced several years ago by an Advanced Placement course.
- Combining lifetime activities and health behaviors classes in 11th-grade physical education and wellness. Also, combining sports activities and cross-training for grade 12. Hudder said this represents “streamlining the organizational structure.” Some of the courses had redundancies, and “it became a challenge for scheduling.” He added, “These ideas have been vetted by students.”
- Removal of the dance elective in the wellness department. Enrollment has been low in recent years, and there are dance elements in other health and behavior courses, Hudder said.
The scheduling process is underway for 2022-23, Galante reported, and last Thursday BHS hosted its annual eighth grade information night, complete with an academic fair and building tours. “The night was really joyful,” she said.
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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