6146.13 - Multiple Pathways

P6146.13(a)

Instruction

Multiple Pathways

Windsor Locks Public Schools offers students a variety of learning options that allow students to demonstrate proficiency on expected learning standards, earn academic credit, and satisfy graduation requirements.

Windsor Locks Public Schools also encourages its students to explore a broad range of learning experiences, including outside-of-school options, that allow them to pursue personal interests and career aspirations, gain applied knowledge and skills, and build strong work habits and character traits. All students will have the option to create a Personalized Learning Plan intended to increase educational engagement and motivation, while increasing preparation for postsecondary education and careers.

A. Learning Options

Windsor Locks Public Schools offers multiple learning options to students, including academic courses, career and technical education programming, online and blended learning experiences, alternative and at-risk programming, internship and exchange experiences, and adult education. Many of these options are detailed in the annual program of studies, and some are available to all students through the regular course registration and enrollment process.

B. Design

In addition to the learning options offered by the school, students can work with advisors, counselors, and/or teachers to identify alternative courses, programs, or student-designed learning experiences. Learning options could include independent studies and long-term projects that: engage their personal interests and ambitions, align with one or more learning standards, and meet Windsor Locks’ graduation requirements.

To pursue a personalized learning pathway, including non-traditional learning options, students must describe their learning experiences in a Personal Learning Plan, including how the experience satisfies both graduation requirements and expected cross-curricular and content-area standards.

To satisfy Windsor Locks graduation requirements, all learning options must (1) be approved in advance by the school team charged with reviewing and approving Personal Learning Plans and (2) be of an equal or higher rigor and quality as the school’s academic courses. If questions arise about the rigor, quality, or standards of a learning option, the Principal or a designee will make the ultimate determination.

C. Apply/Document

Non-traditional learning options must enable students to achieve some or all of the performance indicators that make up the standards taught in a comparable classroombased course. Some interdisciplinary pathway experiences may enable students to achieve performance indicators addressed in multiple content areas or classroom-based courses. The student’s Personal Learning Plan will detail how the personalized pathway options will enable him/her to achieve expected performance indicators, graduation standards, and graduation requirements.

D. Defend

Student learning experiences will culminate in a demonstration of mastery on the graduation standards and performance indicators detailed in his/her approved Personal Learning Plan. Advisors, counselors, and/or teachers, (which make up the school-based review team) working in collaboration with all participating outside instructors or supervisors, will determine if the student has met the requirements of his/her Personal Learning Plan.

E. Grading and Reporting

Student’s progress reports, report cards, and official transcript will report his/her performance towards successful completion of their Personal Learning Plan.

(cf. 6146 - Graduation Requirements)

(cf. 6146.1 - Grading and Reporting System)

(cf. 5123 - Promotion/Acceleration/Retention)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221a High school graduation requirements. (As amended by P.A. 00-

124, An Act Concerning High School Diplomas and Veterans of World War II, P.A. 00-156, An Act Requiring A Civics Course for High School

Graduation, P.A. 08-138, An Act Concerning High School Credit for

Private World Language Courses and Other Subject Areas, P.A. 10-111,

An Act Concerning Education Reform in Connecticut, P.A. 11-135, An

Act Concerning Implementation Dates for Secondary School Reform, P.A.

13-57, An Act Concerning Honorary Diplomas for Vietnam Veterans,

P.A. 13-122, An Act Concerning Minor Revisions to the Education

Statutes P.A. 13-247, Budget Implementer Bill and P.A. 15-237, An Act Concerning High School Graduation.)

10-233(a) Promotion and graduation policies. (as amended by PA 01-166)

P.A. 15-237 An Act Concerning High School Graduation.

Policy adopted: June 9, 2016 WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Windsor Locks, Connecticut