Special Topics in Science

Special Topics in Science Courses

Special Topics in Science are specialized courses that maintain active course codes despite not being included in the currently adopted Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards (MS CCRS) for Science.

Course Origins: These courses typically originate in one of two ways:

• Legacy Frameworks: They were included in previous versions of the Mississippi Science Framework or older MS CCRS for Science iterations.
• District-Developed: They were authored as developmental courses by local educators and subsequently approved by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE).

Approval and Implementation: Local Education Agencies (LEAs) may opt to offer these courses to bridge gaps between the current state standards and the specific college and career interests outlined in their students’ four-year academic plans. However, these courses can only be taught in districts that have received explicit, prior approval from the MDE.  If approved, the LEAs may offer the course for a period of five school years.

The Application Process: The process for requesting to offer a special topics course is described below.  It includes preparation work that districts should take into account consideration to properly prepare to offer the course if the application is approved.

1. Research related interest of the LEA and community to determine the need for the course. Collect and document support information for the course, including special equipment, relevant teacher experience, and collaboration information.
2. Research relevant and current curricula to assist with identifying standards, performance objectives, and approaches to instruction and learning for the course.
3. Review and thoroughly complete the Special Topics in Science Course application.
4. Submit the completed application as a single PDF to MDE Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Email the completed application to Ma’Kesha Adams, Executive Director of Secondary Education, at madams@mdek12.org.
5. Applications must be submitted by October 1^st in consideration of course implementation for the next school year.
6. If approved, applications are valid for five academic years. Districts will be responsible for submitting a new application at the end of the five-year period.

The following courses are listed as Special Topics in Science Courses.

• Aerospace Studies (280111)
• Astronomy (400211)
• Biomedical Research (260502)
• Field Experiences in Science (269998)
• Forensic Science (429903)
• Microbiology (260501)
• Organic Chemistry (400531)
• Spatial Information Science (260126)

Special Topics in Science Course Application Resources

• The Special Topics in Science Course Application
• 2010 Mississippi Science Framework Resource