The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Curriculum proposals slated for U-46 board vote

By Seth Hancock
  The Board of Education in School District U-46 is set to vote on various curriculum related proposals at its upcoming meeting on Monday, July 19. The items were presented on June 21.
  Included is a four-unit freshman seminar exploratory course as part of the pathways program. The total first year cost is estimated at $57,790 for both resources and professional development.
  The proposal states: “Students need information and support to make informed decisions about their plan for high school and post-secondary choices. This semester long course offers ninth grade students’ opportunities to: Explore individual interests, Develop employability skills, Improve interpersonal skills, Engage in critical thinking, Promote teamwork, Set short and long term goals and Learn about Educational Pathways.”
  For the DREAM Academy, the district is asking to purchase the School Connect resource which was piloted in the 2020-2021 school year. The total estimated cost is $5,900 which includes 300 student licenses.
  The resource would be used for the SAIL, or social academic intervention lessons, courses.
  “SAIL is a daily advisory time where teachers and students participate in activities that empower our students to become self-advocates and to work on life-long skills that will be useful within college or work settings,” the proposal states.
  Also set for a vote is a framework for counseling secondary students. The framework lists activities and measures for each grade at the secondary level.
  “Students need information and support to make informed decisions about their plan for high school, post-secondary choices, and personal and social wellness,” the proposal states. “The counseling framework provides students opportunities to receive equitable services and engage with school counselors, and participate in learning experiences that will highlight their individual interests, improve their personal and social skills, and grow their academic achievement throughout their secondary years.”