New State Board of Education graduation requirements are to be phased in by 2009-2010. “The 7th graders will be the first freshmen to participate in this new curriculum,” Director of Instruction Louetta Moats told the School Board last week.

The graduation requirements will be as follows: English, 4 credits, remaining the same; Math, 4 credits, up one; Science, 3 credits, remaining the same; Social Studies 3.5 credits, up one half; Wellness 3.5, up a half; Physical Education, .5 credit, up from 0; Fine Art, 1 credit, remaining the same; Foreign Language, 2 credits, remaining the same; Elective Focus, 3 credits, down one. The elective focus credits have to be in the same course. Each high school will be asked to submit what they would like to  offer for electives. The new total of credits will be 22; at present it is 21. The lowest level in math for high school students will be Algebra 1. Eighth grade students not wishing to go college will have the option, upon parental consent, to drop the Fine Art and Foreign Language courses. If the student should decide in high school that they do want to go to college they would have to pick up the Fine Art and Foreign Language courses.

“We began curriculum meetings in December to decide how best to meet the new requirements that will begin in the 09-10 school year,” Moats told the board. The committee members were given a list of objectives to have accomplished by April 1, 2008. Upon approval of Director of Schools James Jones, the curriculum changes will be brought to the board for approval. When approved, the schools have the 08-09 school year to plan the implementation of the approved changes. Staff development will be provided to teachers to prepare them for the changes. Information sessions/workshops will be held to help the parents understand the reasons for the changes, what changes will occur and how their child will be affected. “It’s definitely going to be a more stringent curriculum. There will be a new test for our students in 09-10 which will be over much higher standards. Therefore we need to prepare for it,” explained Moats.

Jones told the Board, “It would be best if you are involved in this process, attending the meetings or workshops so we can have your input.”

In other business:

The board approved the policy change for the suspension/dismissal of tenured and non-tenured teachers the change reads, “The Director of Schools shall have the power to suspend an employee with or without pay. If the suspension is without pay and the employee is reinstated, the employee shall be paid full salary for the period of suspension.”

Board member Gary Silvers expressed concern about roof problems at Chilhowee Middle, Benton saying that it doesn’t cost anything to discuss it and bids needed to be taken.

The school calendar was approved for school year 08-09 with the first day of school being August 11.

Jones also made mention that any retiring teachers need to submit their intent to retire by March 31, 2008 to be able to keep insurance.