FAQs
What is student centered learning?
Student centered learning allows learners to develop their skills at their own pace, with topics that are relevant to them.
What is the Mastery Transcript
All students at EFHS now have access to the Mastery Transcript. All 9th grade students will be developing this in conjunction with their Powerschool transcripts. When the class of 2024, or any student participating in FPA, applies to college, they will be able to choose which transcript they send, based on what they think best represents them as a learner.
Designed by the Mastery Transcript Consortium, the MTC transcript is specifically for schools that wish to showcase student learning in their transcript, rather than grades. The Mastery Transcript Consortium organization is working closely with high schools and colleges as they design the transcript. This transcript is digital and will show progress visually. Additionally, it allows colleges to dig deeper and see actual evidence of student work.
What does the transcript look like?
Each learner will document their achievement of the graduation proficiencies using evidence. This evidence will be documented in a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP), and showcased in the Mastery Transcript.
How are these flexible pathways rigorous?
The graduation proficiencies were developed by teachers in this supervisory union. They are at least equivalent to traditional credit requirements. For students who pursue individual ELOs, or the more comprehensive FPA, rigor is inherent to the process. The student is essentially designing their own course of study, including assessments. They are responsible for developing work that demonstrates proficiency at a proficient or exemplary level. Additionally, students in the FPA program can choose the "advanced" level to increase the visibility of rigor on their college transcripts.
In any flexible pathway at EFHS all evidence developed to demonstrate proficiency in a skill are verified by a certified teacher in the subject area. Additionally, the Communication, Reading, and Writing transferable skills required by the traditional credit system will be verified by a certified English teacher.
How does FPA prepare for college and career readiness?
This program requires a level of self-direction and initiative that a traditional program does not. An FPA Advisor in conjunction with a guidance counselor will help the student develop a personal learning plan (PLP) that is appropriate for their college and career goals. Just like in a traditional program, these professionals will help to ensure that students take classes that match their goals and create alternative learning experiences that are appropriate for these goals.
Who is "in charge" of students engaging in flexible pathways options at EFHS?
In any flexible pathway the student is in charge of their learning.
In an ELO, they are supported primarily by the ELO Coordinator as they develop their plan, and secondarily by the appropriate Content Advisor or Community Mentor if they have content specific questions. If there is a no Community Mentor, then the student is not working out in the community. If there is no Content Advisor, then the student can only receive elective credit for their ELO. The ELO Coordinator is responsible for overseeing these ELOs.
In FPA, students are supported by an FPA Advisor who helps them develop plans for how they will demonstrate individual skills (referred to as Mastery Credits), whether that be through a class, work or an independent study. Often the FPA advisor will work with the student and a Content Advisor to develop these plans, especially in cases of independent learning.
Currently the ELO Coordinator role and FPA Advisory role are filled by the same person.
Are these flexible pathways better for certain students?
A student who connects to a flexible pathway has interests they want to pursue.
They may find some traditional education restrictive or unstimulating.
They may value learning, knowing, or doing things well.
They may crave the opportunity to showcase their strengths.
They may want to go deeper into their learning to develop a rich understanding of a variety of subjects.
They may be always asking questions.
They may learn at rates, places, or times that traditional school cannot accommodate.
The entire point of flexible pathways is to avoid a 'one size fits all' model of education. Therefore, ALL students benefit from accessing flexible pathways.
What is a day in the life of a Flexible Pathways Academy student?
The Flexible Pathways Academy student can look very similar to that of a mainstream EFHS student. They either attend regularly scheduled classes or choose one of the many flexible pathways available to any EFHS student; however, FPA students will need to spend time planning projects, uploading evidence, and organizing that evidence. Therefore, FPA students will have a class in their schedule dedicated to this work with an advisor to work with them as they do so.
Why would someone choose Flexible Pathways Academy rather than a traditional option?
Learn at your own pace
Choose the mode of learning
Use outside of school experiences to achieve graduation requirements
Personalize your high school experience
Allows students to access material and information that they could not access in our normal curriculum