Avon Grove proposes streamlined course selection guide: fewer prerequisites and split digital format

District staff presented a redesigned course selection guide for Avon Grove High School and asked the committee to place the guide on the January legislative agenda.

Staff said the new digital format splits the guide into two linked documents — an overview that shows course progressions and a separate course description guide — to make navigation easier for students and families. Staff said they solicited input via a questionnaire sent to families, focus groups with students and staff, and reviews by department teachers and counselors.

Why it matters: Staff framed the changes as removing unnecessary obstacles to course access and better aligning course choices with students’ interests and post‑secondary goals. Staff said the district will permit students to progress to higher‑level courses with successful completion of the previous course rather than imposing additional grade‑based or standardized‑test conditions in most cases.

Key changes. Staff said about 90–95% of courses will now only require completion of the immediate prior course as the prerequisite (for example: Spanish 3 → Spanish 2). Staff said the district has removed many additional gating requirements while retaining teacher recommendations and supports; staff described a more flexible override process and said students may move down a level later in the year if the course proves too rigorous.

Opportunities. Staff noted expanded options for advanced students through AP courses and dual enrollment agreements with local colleges. Counselors will monitor PSAT‑based AP potential to identify students who could benefit from accelerated placement.

Next steps. Staff asked the committee to move the course selection guide and course description guide to the legislative agenda in January and to present any public feedback collected before final approval. No formal vote occurred at the committee meeting.