WHS Program of Studies Provisionally Approved with Show Choir Preserved, SEI Courses Eliminated

What happened

The Committee provisionally approved the 2026-27 Waltham High School Program of Studies, which eliminates SEI-specific courses (per DESE guidance) integrating those students into CP/honors classes, combines PLTW Capstone across pathways, adds/removes multiple electives, and changes CTE Chapter 74 credit structures—conditioned on keeping Music Unlimited/Music Express Show Choir unchanged from this year and retaining Screenwriting, LGBTQ+ Voices, and Civics in the book even if not run.

Why it matters to families

This is a consequential, district-wide change to high school course offerings affecting English learners' instructional model, CTE credit structure, and elective access for all students, adopted with committee-mandated modifications due to community concern.

The evidence

VOTED: On motion of Mrs. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Tarallo, to provisionally approve the proposed Waltham High School Program of Studies as long as Music Unlimited and Music Express courses remain the same as this year... SEI specific courses are being removed based on information received from DESE in January.

The source