LYNN — At Thursday night’s School Committee meeting, members outlined upcoming changes to graduation requirements, introduced new course recommendations, and previewed innovation pathways tied to the district’s program of studies.
Deputy Superintendent Lori Gallivan presented updates to the district’s program of studies, beginning with changes to graduation requirements. While the 95-credit total remains the same, course requirements will shift over the next several years.
“The one change is that history and social science will begin to be a required course for the 2027 graduates,” Gallivan said. “The following year in 2028, the art requirement will go into play in the next year.”
Gallivan also outlined new course recommendations developed through work by assistant directors, guidance departments, and student input. Proposed offerings include contemporary neutral design, American pop culture, a full-year French II course, and cybersecurity.
Executive Director of Innovation and Grants Management, Dr. Shannon Gardener, principal of CASA, Chris Norkus, and CASA Program Specialist Leanne DeRosa followed with a presentation on the CASA program of studies.
“Our mission statement is that CASA inspires designers and artists to use creativity, critical thinking, and experimentation to imagine and cultivate the future vested in the community. And we’ve been innovating and iterating our project-based learning.” Norkus said.
The presentation detailed humanities courses planned for next year as sixth and ninth-grade students advance, including a proposed Humanities 7 course titled Lynn History: Looking Through Lynn.
Gardener also introduced two developing “innovation pathways,” described as “formal DESE designations,” in which “students… learn about their field,” take advanced coursework, and complete “another 100-hour internship.”
The first pathway focuses on information technology, beginning with “computer science and computational thinking and problem solving,” and leading to advanced coursework.
“One will be AP science principles, and the other 2 will be AP computer science A and AP cybersecurity.”
Students may specialize as programmers or focus on “security and networking,” with additional electives and work-based learning opportunities.
The second pathway centers on advanced manufacturing and engineering. Gardner stated that “in this pathway, we are focusing on the field of engineering,” with required courses such as “introduction to engineering, design, and principles of engineering.” Advanced options include “AP computer science principles” and “civil engineering architecture.”
Superintendent Molly Cohen also shared district updates, including national recognition of Lynnwood Elementary School principal Sean Morris by U.S. News & World Report.
“…As one of the best public elementary schools in Massachusetts,” Cohen stated.
Cohen additionally announced that the Multilingual Learner Education department received a $100,000 grant to support students who make up nearly half of the district.
“We appreciate the continued partnership with the state to help us provide the state to help us provide high quality programming at all grade levels,” Cohen stated.
