Schools examine alternative pathways
Dec. 11—LIMA — The Allen County Educational Service Center sponsored an event last week for the area high schools that are involved with the Amplify Graduation Pathways Grant from the State of Ohio Department of Education.
Craig Kupferberg, superintendent of the Allen County Educational Service Center explained the purpose of the meeting,
"We're learning what some of the schools are putting in place to help students meet the new graduation requirements and learn more about STEM and different technologies through funding from Extended Learning Grants," he said.
This grant has supported Delphos, Elida and Shawnee schools with the funding and resources to develop graduation pathways for their students that may be more suitable and engaging for some students than traditional graduation pathways.
"The charge was for (schools) to develop some alternate pathways to graduation," said Barb Duval, curriculum supervisor at the Allen County Educational Service Center. "They're more focused on a future career instead of a general education."
Each district is responsible for developing at least one alternative pathway with goals, curriculum and activities that will lead to industry credentials and prepare students for post-secondary careers or further education in their chosen field.
Ryan Quatman, classroom teacher and professional development coach at Shawnee, explained Shawnee schools' viewpoint.
"We're trying to provide our students alternative ways to graduate," he said. "Students who maybe don't fit the traditional mold, it gives them another way that they can successfully leave our district with a graduation certificate. These pathways that we've identified provide our students with a way to go out and get a job in the workforce right away after graduation."
The event was a critical friends review. Each of the three schools presented proposals to be viewed by community members for reflection and constructive feedback. The event was held at the Central District Makerspace and Entrepreneurship Training Center, 219 S. Central Ave., Lima.
Michele Timmons, founder and chief executive officer of Envision Ed Plus summarized the meeting.
"The schools have been working very hard for the last six months to really think about how we provide kids with opportunities to build career readiness, soft skills, workforce skills and to begin thinking about their futures," she said. "Today is a critical friend review where we have stakeholders from all over Allen County and the state of Ohio listen to the first draft of the proposals from the schools and are giving amazing feedback to the schools on how things can move in ways even better for students and the community."
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
