Embedded Files
"Since Taylor is a hands-on learner this program has done wonders for her...She loves the work and guidance she receives from Empower[Ed] teachers. We can definitely tell that this option has helped Taylor grow just in this short amount of time of the 2020 school year."
-Adam Cook, Empower[Ed] Parent
What is Empower[Ed]?
What is Empower[Ed]?
Empower[Ed] is a personalized path to graduation based on who students are and how they learn best. Our goal is to give each student the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding while working on meaningful and authentic projects that add value and strengthen both the learners and the community.
The experience is intended to be an option for any learner to earn core subject credits through community embedded projects and in conjunction with their CTE courses.
Empower[Ed] is a place not only to master content standards, but to learn how to navigate our world and build the skills that future employers will want.
Are there any requirements to get into Empower[Ed]?
Are there any requirements to get into Empower[Ed]?
Requirements:
Junior or Senior
Parent/Guardian awareness & involvement
Enrolled in CTE course
A drive to take initiative, explore passions & learn
Is this option a good fit for my child?
Is this option a good fit for my child?
There are many reasons you should consider Empower[Ed] for your learner:
They are an exceptional student ready to apply their learning to real-world situations
They would benefit from creating a unique academic story
They have a Career & Technical Education interest area
They might be interested in freeing up time on their schedule to have an internship experience
They have a passion or interest to which they would like to devote more of their time
They are bored at school and need to rediscover their love of learning
They feel like they don't have a place where they "fit in" at their school
They enjoy the challenge of solving problems and figuring things out
What classes are offered?
What classes are offered?
Credits can be earned in any of the following courses:
English 11
English 12
Integrated Math III
Integrated Science
U.S. History
Economics
Government
Outdoor Fitness & Leadership
Talk to your counselor and Empower[Ed] representatives to inquire about other opportunities or find out more.
How does assessment, grading, and reporting work in Empower[Ed]?
How does assessment, grading, and reporting work in Empower[Ed]?
What grades are:
Empower[Ed] uses a competency-based model to assess students' knowledge and skills. This idea holds that students should be assessed on what they know and grades should reflect that knowledge. Grades in Empower[Ed] will represent a student’s most current knowledge and understanding of what they are studying.
How students are graded:
Students are graded using a 0.5 through 4 Standards Based System. In this system, low scores represent novice understanding of content material or a novice ability to perform a skill. As students improve in their understanding and skills they will move up to a point where they reach proficiency. A 3 represents that a student has proficient knowledge or a proficient ability to perform a skill. Students given 4s in this system show a deep understanding of a standard or true mastery of a skill.
What else is reported?
Students are also scored on the Career Ready Practices through their work on community projects. These scores live in a learner's "Learning Lab" period and do not impact the academic grade. Instead, these scores communicate how ready a child is to meet workforce demands.
2024 Update: HOW WE PLAN TO LEVEL UP OUR REPORTING
This spring we partnered with the Mastery Transcript Consortium!
Empower[Ed] is starting to roll out a new and improved way to communicate your child's competencies.
Starting next fall, learners and families will be able to see learner progress through our Mastery Learning Record.
Ready? Set. Go!
Ready? Set. Go!
If you are interested in your learner joining Empower[Ed], talk to them. We crafted this resource as a tool for having these conversations. Once they're ready, have your son or daughter talk to their home school counselor and let them know that they want Empower[Ed] on their schedule. We invite you to stay connected with us by emailing/calling with any questions.
david_stpeter@bismarckschools.org
701-323-4340
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