Coming in 2008: New high school core course of study

Posted Wednesday, April 25, 2007

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Chatham County, NC - In December, 2006, the State Board of Education approved a new high school core course framework. The core raises expectations for many high school students who may have been enrolled in the career or college tech prep courses of study.

"The skills needed for success in entry-level jobs and entry-level college work are nearly identical today," said State Board of Education Chairman Howard Lee. "The core courses will help us ensure that all students are on track for success regardless of their plans for the future."

The high school freshman class of 2008 and classes that follow will be required to complete twenty-one core unit courses that include:

• 4 units of English
• 4 units of mathematics
• 3 units of science
• 3 units of social studies
• 2 units of a second language
• 1 unit of health/physical education
• an endorsement of at least four units in one of the following areas: Career-Technical, Arts Education, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC), Advanced Placement/Internal Baccalaureate, second language or other.

The core framework allows students to select specific courses within the twenty-one requirements. There will also be some flexibility for course substitutions that have not yet been
determined. Other issues like providing second language instruction, Advanced Placement (AP)
endorsements have questions that the state has not yet finalized.