Special courses approved for next year include digital art for the Bradley County Virtual School and a computer-based engineering course for Bradley Central High School and Walker Valley High School. The board also reapproved Mythology II for Walker Valley High School, which was offered for the first time this year.
The courses were approved by the Bradley County Board of Education earlier this week.
Digital art will offer a desired element to the virtual program being launched next school year.
“This is an option we would be able to offer our students for fine art, which is kind of difficult to do through the virtual situation,” Virtual school Principal Zoe Renfro said. “We’re excited because not only is it going to be a fine arts opportunity, but it actually touches on so many of the new digital art forms.”
Renfro said the course would even highlight some of the elements that are used in 3D movies.
This course will go on to the state for approval. Renfro said the school system is requesting state approval for the course to be offered at BCHS and WVHS in addition to the virtual school.
“So, it could be an option at either of the other two high schools,” Renfro said.
Bradley County Virtual School received final state approval April 20.
The computer-based engineering course will teach students about using common applications, such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint within an engineering setting.
“This will go along with the Wacker program that we had talked about,” career and technical education director Arlette Robinson said.
The Bradley County Board of Education approved participation in the Wacker Institute School of Chemical Science during February’s board meeting. The program allows students to work toward college credit in engineering while exploring career opportunities in chemical engineering. Participation in the Wacker program is only available to Wacker Valley students, however, Bradley Central students have the opportunity to take all of the same courses. Participants in the Wacker program are also eligible for scholarships.
“The intent is to really get just another avenue to teach reading in a content area, writing composition and, of course, oral skills,” Supervisor for secondary education Dan Glasscock said.
Glasscock said enough students have expressed interest in the program to warrant its continuation.
All courses were approved unanimously.
