During a recent school board meeting, educators and students from Skyline High School expressed strong concerns regarding a proposed update to policy OE 14, which mandates the implementation of Advanced Placement (AP) courses alongside existing International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings.

Molly Peterson, a teacher at Skyline and co-chair of the Integrated English and Social Studies department, opened the discussion by thanking the board for scheduling a community listening session on the matter. She highlighted a perceived disconnect between the board's description of the policy change process and the reactions from teachers and community members, who feel the changes are being rushed. Peterson emphasized that the current wording of OE 14 functions more as a curriculum mandate rather than a genuine policy change, which should focus on broader educational goals rather than specific instructional materials.

Peterson called for a more deliberative process involving research, expert consultation, and input from teachers and parents to determine the best courses and curricula to meet the board's educational objectives. She also criticized the presentation of data at the previous board meeting, arguing that it lacked context and clarity regarding its implications for student experiences.

Claire Kruger, a senior at Skyline, echoed Peterson's concerns, stating that the proposed changes do not align with her interests as a student. Kruger, who has been part of the Issaquah School District since kindergarten, expressed her commitment to the IB program and her desire for future students, including her younger sister, to have the same opportunities. She urged the board to consider the individual experiences of students rather than relying solely on statistics that may misrepresent the value of the IB program.

The discussions reflect a broader concern among educators and students about maintaining diverse educational pathways that cater to varying student needs and interests, as the board considers significant changes to the curriculum.