Preparing for the Future
The core content of the courses will mirror the content being addressed in the traditional subject classes at the honors and accelerated levels. Therefore, students will be equally prepared as those in other classes to continue with Needham High School course options for the duration of their high school career.
Taking part in an interdisciplinary program will properly prepare students for college just as a traditional program does. Enrollment in the program will be indicated on a student’s transcript with an Interdisciplinary distinction which will be accompanied by an explanation of the program. This will help students stand out during the college admissions process.
When starting the interdisciplinary learning initiative, the district sought feedback from New England colleges to identify the impact these programs would have on students applying to colleges. Below are some of the comments made by those officials:
“[Interdisciplinary learning] provides a 21st century approach to teaching in order to allow students to better understand complexity and anticipate opportunities in the world. The approach mirrors the interdisciplinary approach we’ve taken in our business and liberal arts curriculum at Babson College for the better part of two decades - one that best prepares future leaders and entrepreneurs for an uncertain world.”
-Grant M. GosselinVP of Enrollment and Dean of AdmissionBabson College(Now director of Undergrad Admissions at BC)
“[Interdisciplinary learning] is an exciting educational initiative, which will help students develop the skills so necessary to success in college and beyond. At Union College and many fine colleges like us, we hold cross-disciplinary inquiry and analysis at the core of our academic mission, so find this approach at the high school level to be incredibly positive.”
-Matt MalatestaVP of Admissions, Financial Aid and EnrollmentUnion College