MONROE - Three agriculture classes at Monroe High School could count as science courses at the post-secondary level starting next year.
While they don't count as college credit, they could serve a dual purpose on high school transcripts when viewed by post-secondary institutions during the admissions process.
MHS agriculture instructor Danielle Pernot completed the required work for existing Plant and Soil Science, Veterinary Science and Animal Science classes to qualify as "equivalency science" classes, meaning colleges and other institutions can view them as science credits.
The classes will still appear as agriculture courses on MHS transcripts and cannot be used to meet high school science requirements, according to District Administrator Cory Hirsbrunner. Specific science courses, such as Biology and Chemistry, are required for graduation.
"What we do know is that having these classes crosswalked as science equivalency will give students potentially more options and benefits than what we currently have in place," Hirsbrunner said.
Pernot, who has experience teaching these courses at a previous district, is working on doing the same for Natural Science, said MHS Principal Chris Medenwaldt. He expects to bring that course to the school board within the next month for approval as ES.
"It's a lot of work for Danielle and her science folks, but in the end it's good for our kids," Medenwaldt said.
The four courses will be the first in the district with an ES designation.
The Monroe school board voted unanimously to approve the designation at Monday's meeting.
Board member Brian Keith told Medenwaldt Monday to make sure those who worked on the changes know the board appreciates their efforts.
"It's not something they have to do, and this is the type of stuff that makes Monroe great," Keith said.
The process requires final approval by the Wisconsin Department of Public Education.
While they don't count as college credit, they could serve a dual purpose on high school transcripts when viewed by post-secondary institutions during the admissions process.
MHS agriculture instructor Danielle Pernot completed the required work for existing Plant and Soil Science, Veterinary Science and Animal Science classes to qualify as "equivalency science" classes, meaning colleges and other institutions can view them as science credits.
The classes will still appear as agriculture courses on MHS transcripts and cannot be used to meet high school science requirements, according to District Administrator Cory Hirsbrunner. Specific science courses, such as Biology and Chemistry, are required for graduation.
"What we do know is that having these classes crosswalked as science equivalency will give students potentially more options and benefits than what we currently have in place," Hirsbrunner said.
Pernot, who has experience teaching these courses at a previous district, is working on doing the same for Natural Science, said MHS Principal Chris Medenwaldt. He expects to bring that course to the school board within the next month for approval as ES.
"It's a lot of work for Danielle and her science folks, but in the end it's good for our kids," Medenwaldt said.
The four courses will be the first in the district with an ES designation.
The Monroe school board voted unanimously to approve the designation at Monday's meeting.
Board member Brian Keith told Medenwaldt Monday to make sure those who worked on the changes know the board appreciates their efforts.
"It's not something they have to do, and this is the type of stuff that makes Monroe great," Keith said.
The process requires final approval by the Wisconsin Department of Public Education.