Secondary school students who are struggling in English classes could experience some relief with the adoption a new substitute curriculum.

LANGUAGE! is a program designed to deliver intensive instruction that accelerates the reading and writing process and supports students who are below the 40th percentile on standardized tests. The curriculum is also designed for students who require extra skill practice, who have special needs, or English learners, according to the program’s website.

The Troy City Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to approve a waiver for substituting the LANGUAGE! curriculum for English Language Arts.

“This is a remedial program, but if a student is low functioning, it can count as a credit,” said Troy City Schools Superintendent Lee Hicks.

However, Hicks explained, it will take two courses of LANGUAGE! to equal one English credit. And, students will have to gain approval to seek that substitution.

“These programs are research based,” said Christie Armstrong, special education director for Troy City Schools. “They are endorsed by the State Department of Education.”

Hicks also said that offering a Response to Intervention program such as LANGUAGE! is not an option, but is mandated by the state.

Also at the board meeting, members awarded a contract for extermination service to Meeks Pest Control at a rate of $560 for bimonthly visits; approved a new seclusion and restraint policy; approved Child Nutrition Program price increases as part of the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act that requires an increase in paid student lunches; approved the resignations of Charles Henderson Middle School English teacher Alane Williams and Charles Henderson High School social science teacher Travis Sheppard; and approved the hire of CHHS social science teacher and assistant coach Brandon Lee.

The next scheduled board meeting is set for July 16 at 5:15 p.m. at the Troy City Schools Central Office.