ADRIAN — Core classes, non-core classes, interventions, electives, virtual courses and a host of several other curricular offerings will be available to enrolled students throughout the Adrian Public Schools district during the 2024-25 school year, which begins in less than two weeks.
Course listings and course books for all Adrian schools — Alexander, Lincoln, Michener and Prairie elementary schools, Springbrook Middle School, Adrian High School and Adrian Community High School — were reviewed by the district’s Board of Education in July and came back for board approval at Monday’s Aug. 12 meeting.
An overview of the course listings was provided at both meetings by Derrick Richards , assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction/state and federal programs.
“Our local auditor suggests that having courses approved annually is a best practice,” he said during Monday’s meeting at Adrian High School . Richards called it a point of pride for APS to offer the many courses it does to students.
The elementary course listings are the slimmest of the other levels of education due to what students are required to be learning at such young ages. Young Five’s/kindergarten students through fifth grade must have the core classes of reading and writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Elementary non-core classes include art, music, physical education and technology.
At Springbrook Middle School, there are a number of additional courses students can enroll in outside of the required and traditional subjects of classes — English language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, music, foreign language, art, and physical education and health.
The vast number of classes being offered to students aligns with APS’ vision statement, which reads: “Adrian Public Schools will provide dynamic, relevant and rigorous global curriculum in a safe environment that fosters imagination, problem solving, teamwork and innovation to create a collaborative and deliberate learning pathway for each student.”
While the middle school’s course book is 10 pages in length, Adrian High School’s, in contrast, is well over 30 pages detailing information about course overviews, graduation requirements, grade advancement requirements, educational development plans (EDP), utilizing career pathways, college courses/dual enrollment and more.
For a district Adrian’s size, there are many avenues of learning for students, Richards said.
When the course listings were initially looked over in July, school board Secretary Mike Buku stated, "When I reviewed the offerings, I realized there are awesome opportunities for all students. I wish I had these many choices when I was in school."
Coursework also is in line with Adrian’s mission statement: “In partnership with families and our community, Adrian Public Schools provides a quality education, challenging students to excel academically and inspiring them to become contributing citizens within our diverse, ever-changing society.”
School officials lay out framework for first days of new year
With a handful of educational programs/initiatives being unveiled over the past few years, there is a clear focus on what’s in store for Adrian’s 2024-25 school year, according to Superintendent Nate Parker.
Adrian, under Parker’s leadership, has integrated initiatives such as ASPIRE (Adrian Schools Project Inspire, Resiliency and Excellence), the Lesson Plan, Diploma Plus and student success plans into its visions for student and staff success.
ASPIRE, Parker explained to the school board on Monday, is the district’s answer to the “ask” of the Adrian community for what the school system needs to do for its students.
More: ASPIRE initiative at Adrian Public Schools to be 'refocused' prior to 2024-25 school year
It is the hope of Adrian’s district leadership that students graduating from APS are ready to enter the workforce or the skilled trades without hesitation. Districts officials also want to prepare students for whatever post-secondary studies await them.
Having students engaged and excited to learn while in school can be accomplished through many practices, Parker said, including through the district’s newly adopted course offerings.
“We’re doing so many good things. Nothing is broken,” he said.
Each component of ASPIRE, Parker said — including the embracement of properly using artificial intelligence within the classroom — plays a role in shaping a student’s success in school. Action plans and steps are included in the initiatives to make sure each student is gaining the knowledge they need to graduate and be prepared for what comes after graduation.
Subscribe Now: For all the latest local developments, breaking news, and high school and college sports content.
When does the school year begin at Adrian Public Schools?
Like most of the public schools in Lenawee County, Adrian students will start the new school year on Aug. 26. It will be a half-day of classes for students as teachers, administrators and staff engage in additional afternoon professional development.
Staff will begin their PD days on Wednesday, Aug. 21 with a district focus, Parker explained. On Aug. 22, development will have a building focus — examining how Adrian’s multiple school buildings can best be used by students and staff throughout the school year.
Adrian seeks to be the leading school district in Lenawee County in the arts, academics and athletics. Having resilient and excellent students are key components of the plan, Parker previously said.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman .
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: School officials give green light to Adrian Public School's 'rigorous' curricular offerings
Most Popular
Comments / 0