Hinsdale South Still Lacks Key Course

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 officials seem ready to end the years-long effort to align course opportunities between Central and South high schools.

Whatever the case, they have a major piece of unfinished business.

To this day, the district offers Central freshmen World History Honors, which appears to prepare students for the AP Modern World History exam.

The same course is not offered at South. Students there are offered World Studies Honors, which is not seen as preparation for the AP test. The successful passage of AP tests gives students college credit.

In February, Linda Burke, a resident who has long attended school board meetings, took members to task for not offering World History Honors at South.

"It provides the opportunity to take an AP test, which World Studies Honors does not," Burke said.

At that same meeting, Superintendent Michael Lach said World History Honors is not designed to prepare students for the AP Modern World History test. In response, a board member praised Lach for countering "narratives flying around."

Despite Lach's statement, Central officials apparently believe World History Honors has some connection to the AP exam.

Recently, South resident Adolph Galinski obtained a message to all of Central's World History Honors students and their parents from last September.

"Your student is currently enrolled in World History Honors," the counseling office said in the message. "While this is not an AP course, many students choose to take the AP World History exam. If this is something you are interested in, please see the instructions below to register."

Last year, 58 Central freshmen in World History Honors registered to take the AP test. At South, none did.

In public comments at last week's board meeting, Galinski pointed to Central's program of studies, which he said has advised at least since 2014 that World History Honors students may take the AP test.

Galinski said at the meeting that Lach, who started a year ago, told him that the superintendent could not speak to practices before his arrival.

"Dr. Lach, how can you not speak to the practices that are occurring directly under your leadership today?" Galinski said. "I have to submit a (Freedom of Information Act) request to see the practices. All Dr. Lach needs to do is engage as a leader, ask questions, and talk with colleagues. Certainly, Dr. Lach is capable of comprehending the institutionalized practices and prejudices in District 86."

Lach has not responded to Patch's inquiries about course inequalities.

The larger Central, which has a wealthier student body, has long offered a greater course selection.

Two years ago, a split board rejected teacher-recommended changes to equalize social studies course offerings at both campuses. That action drew the teachers union's condemnation.

A district spokesman confirmed this week that South will not have the World History Honors course next school year.

Last November, board member Jeff Waters was the lone vote against the program of studies for next school year because it did not include World History Honors for South.