Trustees Approve New College Forensics I & II Course

Huntington School Board members approved a new College Forensics I & II course last week at a public meeting in auditorium at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School. The class will be open to students in grades 10-12. No prerequisite is required.

The district’s Subject Matter Council approved the new course on February 4 and the Educational Development Committee followed with its approval on February 5.

Annual enrollment is estimated to run 120 students. The course will run for the entire year and result in students earning one academic credit. The course will debut in September.

“This course serves as an introduction to the basic principles of forensic science,” Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack said. “The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of forensic science by examining the current techniques and instruments that are commonly used to analyze chemical, physical and biological evidence. The College Forensics course will cover topics in the science fields of chemistry, physics and biology that are required to understand these analytical techniques. In addition, this course will examine various social, legal, cultural and media-related impacts brought about by advances in forensic science.”

In partnering with Siena College, dual enrollment credit, students will have the opportunity to earn three college credits at the reduced rate of $225 and students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will be eligible to earn these credits free of charge.

“The current Huntington High School Forensics I & II courses align well with Siena’s CHEM100 Introduction to Forensics course,” Mr. Cusack said.

Trustees voted 7-0 to approve the new college option for the course.