In a previous blog I had written about the Multiple pathways movement. In the past four months I’ve had an opportunity to take a close look at one of the model multiple pathway schools, High Tech High, San Diego, CA and I’m impressed with what I’ve seen!
In CA the topic has gained a great deal of attention. WestEd is currently developing the Assembly Bill 2648 Multiple Pathways Report. “Assembly Bill 2648 (Bass) requires the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop, in conjunction with specified stakeholders, a report that explores the feasibility of establishing and expanding additional career multiple pathway programs in California.
Guiding principles of pathways
• Pathways prepare students for postsecondary education and career.
• Pathways connect academics to real-world applications.
• Pathways lead to a full range of postsecondary opportunities.
• Pathways improve student achievement.
Core components of pathways:
•A challenging academic component prepares students for success in California’s community colleges and universities, as well as in apprenticeships and other post-secondary programs.
•A demanding technical component delivers concrete knowledge and skills through a cluster of four or more technical courses.
•A work-based learning component that offers opportunities to learn through real-world experiences.
•Supplemental services that support students in a challenging program of study.
Multiple Pathways
•This approach promotes the implementation of multiple pathways in a school district.
If you have an interest in Multiple Pathways, you may want to join in an on-line forum hosted by WestEd