DARLINGTON - The Darlington Community School District is changing its curriculum and requirements in a move designed to meet the future needs and interests of its students.
To that end, the school board increased the district requirements for both math and science from two credits to three credits. The change was approved Monday, Nov. 21.
"Because of the job market and the need for math and science, and our interactions with our colleges, the board believed it was time (to make the changes)," said Denise Wellnitz, district administrator.
The new math and science requirements will go into effect for incoming freshmen in 2012, but more than half of the seniors this year are taking that many credits, according to Wellnitz.
The district is also adding a variety of new courses starting next year.
"Student interests are changing," Wellnitz said. "Because of their different career paths, we are working to meet students' needs in the technological fields as well as the sciences."
Non-traditional Agriculture Science puts a "different spin" on the course that will still follow national agriculture standards, Wellnitz said. The course will now include more plant, food and natural resources sciences.
Environmental Education, which is being offered as an advanced placement (AP) for half-credit, will be offered also as a full-year course for an additional half-credit.
Principals of Engineering, which was started this year, will continue to be offered next year.
Music Theory and Variety Choir are new courses being offered next year, but must have a minimum number of students sign up to be held.
"We heard from post-graduates that these (music) courses might be helpful for students going into music," Wellnitz said. "Because of the skills and knowledge of our staff, we are able to offer them."
Writing for the Post-Secondary Bound Student will be a student-driven course focusing on the different types of writing styles that students need, from filling out for college and scholarships applications to meeting everyday writing tasks, as well as completing term papers.
Two courses, Current Issues and 20th Century Civilization, are being combined for a one-credit course, Cultural Changes in Modern Western Civilization. The new course will meet the needs of students with a broader interest in the subject matter, Wellnitz said.
Project Lead the Way is also coming to Darlington Schools, Wellnitz said. The national program provides a hands-on curriculum in engineering and sciences through local middle and high school teaching staff.
To that end, the school board increased the district requirements for both math and science from two credits to three credits. The change was approved Monday, Nov. 21.
"Because of the job market and the need for math and science, and our interactions with our colleges, the board believed it was time (to make the changes)," said Denise Wellnitz, district administrator.
The new math and science requirements will go into effect for incoming freshmen in 2012, but more than half of the seniors this year are taking that many credits, according to Wellnitz.
The district is also adding a variety of new courses starting next year.
"Student interests are changing," Wellnitz said. "Because of their different career paths, we are working to meet students' needs in the technological fields as well as the sciences."
Non-traditional Agriculture Science puts a "different spin" on the course that will still follow national agriculture standards, Wellnitz said. The course will now include more plant, food and natural resources sciences.
Environmental Education, which is being offered as an advanced placement (AP) for half-credit, will be offered also as a full-year course for an additional half-credit.
Principals of Engineering, which was started this year, will continue to be offered next year.
Music Theory and Variety Choir are new courses being offered next year, but must have a minimum number of students sign up to be held.
"We heard from post-graduates that these (music) courses might be helpful for students going into music," Wellnitz said. "Because of the skills and knowledge of our staff, we are able to offer them."
Writing for the Post-Secondary Bound Student will be a student-driven course focusing on the different types of writing styles that students need, from filling out for college and scholarships applications to meeting everyday writing tasks, as well as completing term papers.
Two courses, Current Issues and 20th Century Civilization, are being combined for a one-credit course, Cultural Changes in Modern Western Civilization. The new course will meet the needs of students with a broader interest in the subject matter, Wellnitz said.
Project Lead the Way is also coming to Darlington Schools, Wellnitz said. The national program provides a hands-on curriculum in engineering and sciences through local middle and high school teaching staff.