Education Guide: Local News
Innovation School for Motivated Learners
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Story Updated: Sep 7, 2011
Looking for an alternative high school education but the latest cyber schools in Massachusetts and (across the country) are not your thing? If you live in Central Massachusetts, the Pathways Early Innovation School in Gardner is worth checking out. And even if you don't live in the area, take note, as the school serves as a model for other school systems to emulate.
Established in partnership between the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District in Orange and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), the Pathways Innovation School opened this past fall with 20 students from the region who are simultaneously earning their high school diplomas and an associate degree during the year-round, two-year program. The school was one of the first two innovation schools created under the state's new education reform bill, An Act Relative to the Achievement Gap, and the first established as an early college high school under this new legislation. "There is a need for an alternative pathway to higher education for students - socially, emotionally and financially - that this program meets for an eclectic group of learners who are looking to be challenged and engaged in ways not always possible in a traditional high school environment," says Pati Gregson, vice president of Access & Transition at MWCC.
Innovation schools function as in-district, charter-like public schools. In the Pathways school, high school juniors or home schooled students who are at least age 16 enroll in college-level courses at MWCC. Credits earned apply toward their high school diploma requirements as well as toward an associate degree to prepare them for the workforce or to transfer to a public or private college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree. Because the Pathways school is funded through Chapter 70 funds from Mahar Regional School District, students are earning the college credits for free. Students receive individualized academic and career support, will participate in internships and other employment opportunities to develop strong professional skills,and have access to all MWCC facilities and services.
"To me, this is just an indication that we are doing the right thing for our students and for our communities. High schools in general have been the same for a very long time. The schedules, the bells and the prescribed requirements often turn students off. The ability to be self-directed in learning and to take classes that are of real interest on a college campus is very exciting for many learners. The interest that many have shown in the Pathways program is proof that 'innovation' works," says Mahar Superintendent Michael Baldassarre.
The first cohort of students drew residents from Athol, Barre, Baldwinville, Bolton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Shirley, Sterling, Townsend and Winchendon. "It's a wicked good opportunity and I'm doing very well in it. I love it," said Ashley Elworthy, of Bolton, who is pursuing a degree and career in criminal justice.
For more information about enrolling in the Pathways Early College Innovation School for the spring 2011 semester that begins January 19, or the fall 2011 semester, contact Garo Papazian, director, at 978-630-9393.
Text courtesy of the Pathways Early College Innovation School and edited by baystateparent.
Established in partnership between the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District in Orange and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC), the Pathways Innovation School opened this past fall with 20 students from the region who are simultaneously earning their high school diplomas and an associate degree during the year-round, two-year program. The school was one of the first two innovation schools created under the state's new education reform bill, An Act Relative to the Achievement Gap, and the first established as an early college high school under this new legislation. "There is a need for an alternative pathway to higher education for students - socially, emotionally and financially - that this program meets for an eclectic group of learners who are looking to be challenged and engaged in ways not always possible in a traditional high school environment," says Pati Gregson, vice president of Access & Transition at MWCC.
Innovation schools function as in-district, charter-like public schools. In the Pathways school, high school juniors or home schooled students who are at least age 16 enroll in college-level courses at MWCC. Credits earned apply toward their high school diploma requirements as well as toward an associate degree to prepare them for the workforce or to transfer to a public or private college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree. Because the Pathways school is funded through Chapter 70 funds from Mahar Regional School District, students are earning the college credits for free. Students receive individualized academic and career support, will participate in internships and other employment opportunities to develop strong professional skills,and have access to all MWCC facilities and services.
"To me, this is just an indication that we are doing the right thing for our students and for our communities. High schools in general have been the same for a very long time. The schedules, the bells and the prescribed requirements often turn students off. The ability to be self-directed in learning and to take classes that are of real interest on a college campus is very exciting for many learners. The interest that many have shown in the Pathways program is proof that 'innovation' works," says Mahar Superintendent Michael Baldassarre.
The first cohort of students drew residents from Athol, Barre, Baldwinville, Bolton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Lunenburg, Orange, Shirley, Sterling, Townsend and Winchendon. "It's a wicked good opportunity and I'm doing very well in it. I love it," said Ashley Elworthy, of Bolton, who is pursuing a degree and career in criminal justice.
For more information about enrolling in the Pathways Early College Innovation School for the spring 2011 semester that begins January 19, or the fall 2011 semester, contact Garo Papazian, director, at 978-630-9393.
Text courtesy of the Pathways Early College Innovation School and edited by baystateparent.