High School to College and Career Transition

Transitioning Abington Senior High School students to College and Careers with a reimagined curriculum starting in September 2022

Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the ASD Grade Span Reconfiguration will pave the way for a reimagined curriculum at Abington Senior High School. This new, innovative programming expands access and opportunities for students to engage in a wide variety of rigorous academics while designing learning experiences focused on interdisciplinary connections, innovation, creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Click below for an overview of the curriculum changes at the high school level.

  • A greater fusion of technology in instruction with more resources available in the building as a result of the Additions and Renovations Project and the previously implemented Digital Transformation Plan, which provided Chromebooks to all students and instructional staff

  • The implementation of a Pathways Program focused on the skills needed to compete in the evolving workforce and prepare students for the nation’s fastest-growing industries and jobs of the future (read further below on this page)

  • More elective coursework (including an option to take more AP courses), and the addition of an advisory period, with fewer transitions and study halls

  • Four new courses to be completed throughout grades 9-12: Foundations of Innovation I, Foundations of Innovation II, Seminar I, and Seminar II

  • An alternating A/B block schedule with four academic periods of instruction per day and a community lunch for students to attend advisory, clubs, enrichment activities, and get help from teachers

  • Ability for students to participate in 40 additional credits during their four years due to scheduling that allows for 8 classes/year

  • A redesigned culminating project that consists of a portfolio and presentation that showcases student’s personal goals and achievements, and connects to their varied experiences with service, research, mentorship and/or internship

  • The elimination of Class Rank, as recommended by the Superintendent’s Committee to Study Class Rank in 2017 (GPA will still be calculated for each student)

Sample Schedule

Graduation Requirements

Starting with the Class of 2026

Benefits

  • More flexibility to choose classes across a range of subjects and specialties, providing greater exposure to a variety of potential fields of study and job industries

  • A more personalized high school experience for students that still exceeds state requirements

  • Opportunity for students to explore their career interests earlier in life, with the goal of looking beyond just degree attainment, so that they can be better prepared for post-secondary education, including college, trade school or apprenticeships

  • Courses and culminating senior project that focuses on college and career awareness, community partnerships, and the development of innovation, creative and critical thinking, collaboration and communication (i4C) skills

  • Expanded school counseling services to guide students in goal-setting, identifying skillsets and pursuing interests inside and outside the classroom

Impact

  • This new program of studies will have no impact on the Class of 2022

  • Counselors will work with students in the Classes of 2023 and 2024 who are already attending Abington Senior High School to ensure they meet graduation requirements, though the new program will have minimal impact on them

  • Students in the Class of 2025 moving up to Abington Senior High School in September 2022 will also be impacted minimally by the new program

  • Students in the Classes of 2026 and onward will start in the high school under the new program and will not be impacted by the transition

Enhanced School and Career Counseling Services

Through the newly expanded Counseling and Career Center at Abington Senior High School, students will have access to a wider array of counseling services.

Connections in the Community

In addition to dual-credit opportunities available through area colleges, students will have opportunities to engage in community-based experiences on and off campus through a network of community partners and alumni.

Business and Entrepreneurship ● Computer Science and Information Technology ● General Studies ● Government and Legal Services ● Health Services ● Humanities ● Manufacturing and Construction ● Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ● Social Science and Human Services ● Visual, Performance, and Communication Arts

The Pathways Program connects Abington Senior High School's academic offerings to students' future college and career opportunities through the creation of 10 pathways. It includes:

  • Expansion of dual credit and community partnership opportunities both on and off campus

  • Increased opportunities for students to engage in conversations with community partners and alumni by establishing a network of community partners and protocols to facilitate community-based experiences with the assistance of a College and Career Pathway Liaison

  • Alignment with an expanded array of extracurricular activities to increase access and opportunities for students

Upcoming Events for the Transition to College and Career

  • September 6, 2022 - First Day of School for Grades 9 and 10

  • September 7, 2022 - First Day of School for Grades 11 and 12

Resources