The Emmaus High School Program of Studies could see significant changes beginning in the 2027-28 school year, including a new biomedical science pathway, AP Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence coursework and additional family and consumer sciences offerings.

Dr. Mike Mihalik, supervisor of secondary curriculum (STEM), presented 10 proposed courses to the East Penn school board during the Oct. 12 meeting. The presentation was informational only, with board action expected at a future meeting. Mihalik said the national Project Lead The Way, or PLTW, curriculum would require teacher training and two years of participation fees. A recently secured $14,000 grant would help offset those costs, and additional PLTW expansion grants may be available.

The largest proposed addition is a PLTW biomedical science pathway consisting of four honors-weighted electives: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Intervention and Biomedical Innovation.

The courses would also offer college credit opportunities. Students earning at least an 85% could receive credit through Rochester Institute of Technology, while DeSales University would offer up to six credits toward biology or neuroscience degree programs.

Mihalik described the curriculum as heavily focused on problem-based learning and career exploration. Students in Principles of Biomedical Science would begin with a CSI approach, working as medical professionals, public health officials and emergency responders. Human Body Systems places students in roles such as physical therapists and biomedical science advisers. Medical Intervention follows a fictional family through scenarios involving infection, genetic screening and cancer treatment. Biomedical Innovation centers on a yearlong project involving problem-based missions. Students completing the sequence receive personalized white coats during an end-of-year ceremony.

Mihalik said the courses would expose students to medical careers while providing hands-on learning opportunities and the potential to earn college credit.

The district is also proposing a full-year, one-credit AP Cybersecurity course. Based on a College Board framework, the course would focus on analyzing and evaluating risk. Teacher training would be funded through grants or the office of teaching and learning budget.

Another proposed offering is Introduction to AI and Vibe Coding, a half-credit course in which students would create web-based products in a protected sandbox environment. Coursework could include machine learning, generative AI and a capstone project requiring students to build a website or web platform.

Advanced Media Production is also under consideration as a full-year, one-credit course. Mihalik described it as a technology education capstone in which students would work on independent and school-based media projects, including yearbook production. Topics would include storytelling, audience engagement, promotion, editorial design and specialized media projects.

Several changes are proposed within family and consumer sciences. Food Fundamentals would be opened to ninth-grade students, while Advanced Foods would be replaced by Baking and Pastry Arts and Farm-to-table.

Baking and Pastry Arts would focus on quick breads, cookies, yeast breads, pastries and cakes. Farm-to-table would emphasize seasonal cooking, locally sourced ingredients, regional food choices and reducing food waste.

The district is also proposing Weight lifting as an alternative to Wellness/Fitness 11/12. The quarter-credit course could be taken in both 11th and 12th grades and is intended to help students develop lifelong strength-training habits. No additional costs are associated with the course.

If approved, the office of teaching and learning would work with middle and high school staff to communicate the changes.

Beth Guarriello, principal of Emmaus High School, said the proposed revisions are driven by three goals: expanding science and emerging technology opportunities, increasing academic access and equity, and streamlining course offerings.

“In order to plant flowers, we need to pull weeds and streamline the courses and make them the best for students,” Guarriello said.

She said students are seeking more student-centered and project-based learning opportunities. The district also plans to eliminate outdated courses, including some introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic, to make room for new offerings. Administrators are also working to clarify course descriptions and graduation designations. Another proposed operational change would make driver’s education an in-person course by default while maintaining an online option based on student need.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, at the administration building, 800 Pine St., Emmaus.