By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER ó High school students will have more options when deciding which classes to take next year.
The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education approved the addition of honors forensic science II, carpentry III, cabinetmaking III, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Publisher and Microsoft Excel and Access.
Kathy McDuffie, the districtís director of secondary education, said these courses were chosen because of a demand.
ěWeíve been teaching forensic science and there is such a huge interest in it we decided to add an honors course,î she said.
The class will help prepare students who are interested in pursing careers in law enforcement, chemistry and law.
McDuffie said new carpentry class will give students the skills needed to sit for certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research. The course will include roofing applications, steel framing and drywall installations.
The cabinetmaking class will give students more advanced knowledge and skills that will help prepare them to enter the furniture and cabinetmaking industry.
The computer classes being added to the curriculum are in support of a Microsoft IT Academy, a college and career ready education program that seeks to give students hands-on experience that can offer an edge in the competitive job market.
McDuffie said the courses wonít be available at every high school.
The district will also be replacing the traditional algebra and geometry math sequence with integrated math I and integrated math II.
ěThe courses will meet the same requirements for college,î McDuffie said. ěIntegrated math is a better course title because it better explains what students will be doing in the classes.
McDuffie said the move will align the district more closely with state standards.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
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