NILES School board makes curriculum changes

The new graduation requirements take effect with the class of 2005.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Curriculum changes approved by the board of education are geared to meet additional graduation requirements and prepare students for proficiency tests.
Superintendent Patrick Guliano said the changes coincide with the state requirements, effective with the class graduating in 2005.
Guliano doesn't expect major additional changes.
"The class of 2005 has the new graduation requirements and they also have the 10th-grade qualifying exam," he said.
New requirements: Passage of the qualifying examination will be a graduation requirement for next year's freshmen. Changes so far, which will take effect next school year, have been made in the science and social studies curricula.
Changes in the social studies department add a focus on economics to the curriculum. The addition, which takes effect for next year's freshmen, aims at proficiency tests that include an economics section.
Two integrative science classes, a biology 2 class, chemistry, physics and physical science classes will be added at the high school.
The following year, integrative science 3 and a lower-level biology class will be added.
Students will need to take three science classes under state graduation requirements. Under those requirements, one of the science units must be a physical science and one must be a life or biological science.
Music credits: The board also approved changes in the way vocal and instrumental music classes count toward graduation. The change enables students to get credit toward graduation for all four years of band or choir instead of earning credit for only freshman and sophomore years in the programs.