Frequently asked questions

We have created this frequently asked questions document about the 2023-2024 course catalog. We will be updating this document over the coming months, adding resources and additional questions and answers.

• What is the program of studies/course catalog

• The program of studies is Manchester School District’s course catalog for high school courses. This is what students will refer to when selecting courses for the upcoming school year. The course catalog for the 2023-2024 school year will cover all four high schools.

• Is the program of studies the same as the course catalog

• Yes – “program of studies” was the traditional name. However, going forward we will begin referring to the document as the “course catalog.” This term is a briefer, more accurate description of what the document actually is.

• How can families learn more about the course catalog

• There are information sessions planned for families and students to help you better understand the course selection process – these are valuable for all students set to pick classes for next year, but especially so for current 8th Graders. A current schedule of events can be found on our website.   In addition, we are working with community partner organizations to ensure we’re connecting families with necessary information.

• When does the course catalog come out

• The Board of School Committee approved a draft version of the course catalog on November 28. The course catalog is currently available to view on our website as are the dates for course selection for both current and incoming high school students.  Printed and translated materials will be available as soon as possible.

• When do students pick classes for next year

• The window for course selection for current high school students will open in Aspen on February 13th and close on February 17th.  The window for incoming freshmen (current 8th graders) will open on February 21st and close on February 24th.

• When do students get their class assignments for next year

• It is our goal that students will have a tentative schedule of classes for the next school year before they leave for summer vacation in June.

• How are course selection decisions made

• Each student is different, and as such, there is not one best path for all students.  Primary items for a student to consider include, but are certainly not limited to, teacher recommendation, postsecondary goals, academic motivation, and interest.

• What is different about the new course catalog

• This program of studies/course catalog is substantially different from prior versions for a number of reasons, including:

• It’s a single resource for all high school students
• Addition of courses that allow more students to access college prep courses
• Same essential standards expected of every student
• Includes Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
• Includes Special Education programs
• New layout
• Additional information surrounding student opportunities for scholarly distinction and additional credit-bearing opportunities

• What is leveling

• Leveling, also referred to as tracking, is the practice of assigning a student a particular academic track or level, based on past performance. Historically in Manchester high schools, students assigned to a lower academic track have had a difficult time moving to a higher track.

• Does de-leveling mean all students are in one level

• No. De-leveling does not eliminate all levels of learning, nor does it put all students in one single level. The changes made to our 2023-2024 program of studies/course catalog do combine two lower levels of learning, however, higher-level learning opportunities still exist.

• Why is Manchester de-leveling high school classes

• In 2014, the federal Office of Civil Rights filed a complaint against Manchester School District. The complaint stated that the practice of leveling or tracking, in which students are placed on an academic track based on past performance, was having a severely limiting effect on black, Hispanic, and English Language Learners. Our follow-up work with the Barr Foundation and Nellie Mae in 2018 and 2019 confirmed that while some students have succeeded under this system, many from historically underserved communities have not. The Program of Studies document approved by the Board of School Committee allows us to continue to take steps to ensure all Manchester high school students are able to access higher-level courses.

• How many credit-bearing course levels are there in the new course catalog

• There are three credit-bearing levels of learning in the 2023-2024 course catalog:  No Credit Designation (N), General Studies (G), and Honors/AP/College (H,  A or C).  These designations are described on page 10 of the course catalog.

• How is level assignment determined

• Course levels are not assigned.  Students and families discuss academic goals and work with teachers and guidance staff to select the appropriate courses that will fulfill future goals..  Honors, College, and AP courses are recommended for self-motivated students who are interested in pursuing secondary education in a specific content area (ex.  Biology, Psychology) and wish to move through content at a rigorous pace.  General courses are recommended for students who want to study essential standards and principles of content and who wish to graduate high school and be prepared for post-secondary opportunities such as college/university and career.

• What Manchester schools use leveling

• Leveling has been used at Central, Memorial, and West high schools; for a period of time, it was also in use at our middle schools as well.

• Does the course catalog still have higher-level classes

• Yes. The course catalog includes many higher-level classes, including honors, advanced placement, and concurrent enrollment (Information on concurrent enrollment options can be found on page 11 of the course catalog). Classes are indicated with an “H”,  “A” or  “C”, respectively.  The description of these designations can be found on page 10 of the course catalog.

• What is differentiated instruction

• Differentiated instruction, or differentiation, is an approach to teaching that primarily recognizes that all students learn differently. It allows a teacher to create a learning environment that meets all students' needs – when done right, it ensures that no students are left behind and none feel held back. Differentiation is used by teachers at all levels, often intuitively.

• Will all classes be made less challenging

• No. In fact, the opposite is true. Higher-level classes will remain just as challenging, but we are working to increase rigor for all classes. In addition, we are building in additional support for students to help them master more-challenging courses.

• What if students can’t keep up in classes

• A key element of differentiated instruction is recognizing what each student needs, whether it’s more challenging material or additional support.  Each educator is dedicated to ensuring students have the tools to be successful in class.  Should additional support be needed, supports currently in place include teacher after-school days, peer tutoring, and FEV tutoring services.