PUSD Assistant Superintendent Ariel Dolowich and Piedmont High School Principal David Yoshihara made recommendations to update some of the high school’s course offerings to the Board of Education on Monday night. The suggested changes include adding a new AP level Physics class and reclassifying upper level performing arts classes as Honors courses.
The updates would include:
–Adding an AP Physics C course. Calculus is a co-requisite for taking the course, Dolowich said. He said there was considerable interest in a calculus-based advance physics course, and this class would meet that need. Current sophomores and juniors would be eligible, he said. Whether Honors Physics will also be offered is to be determined, said Yoshihara.
–Designating advanced Acting, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Dance, and Symphonic Band as Honors courses. Dolowich and Yoshihara said there was considerable student and teacher interest in adding a higher level for each of these performing arts courses, as students in the upper levels are already performing at an advanced level but without the extra grade bump an Honors designation confers. Yoshihara said students often opt out of taking a high level of performing arts because of that dynamic.
Several Board members requested more information to substantiate the request for the performing arts classes, as trustees appeared confused by what, exactly, they were being asked to approve.
Trustee Cory Smegal noted that the Honors upgrade was a request that had been discussed and/or come before the Board over the years; APT President Dr. Elise Marks said she believed strongly that an Honors reclassification was warranted.
This was a first reading of the proposals; the incoming board will have an opportunity to review the proposal before final approval in January.