Board approves change to allow certain core electives to qualify for honors points

The Silver Consolidated School District board on Aug. 25 approved a policy change permitting select core electives to count as honors courses when those courses meet teacher-established criteria, with the change phased in for the incoming freshman cohort.

Associate Superintendent Cindy Barris told the board that changes in state graduation requirements prompted the review. "When we look at our policies, when we put them forward, if we have to reflect back on them because it didn't work as we as we intended or some other things have changed, and that's the case here," Barris said. She proposed allowing "certain core electives, just core electives, so your math, science, social studies, and English classes to count as honors when needed," with a teacher committee deciding whether a course should be designated honors.

The board approved the proposal by motion after members said they wanted consistent implementation across campuses and a published list so students can plan their course sequences. Barris said she intends to provide the initial list of 5-point eligible courses for the coming year as an informational item at the next board meeting and to include the list in the student handbook. The change will begin with the district’s current freshmen so schedules can be adjusted before the school year is settled.

Board members said the policy aims to recognize rigor for students who pursue advanced coursework while keeping multiple pathways available. The motion to approve the policy change was moved by Mr. McMillan and seconded by Mr. Khan; the motion passed.