Implementation Strategies: Students and Families
Effective pathway programs prepare students for the current needs of the workforce, strengthen local economies, and improve equitable outcomes for all learners; but for these programs to be effective, they must meet the emotional and academic needs of young people trying to find their place in the world. For some students, that means gaining a four-year college degree. For others, it means pursuing credentials that allow them to access higher-paying, in-demand jobs. For many, it means engaging their interests and passions in a way that will help them graduate with a high school diploma that represents rigorous learning.
Unfortunately, effective pathway programs are not available to all students. Schools may determine which students are eligible for certain pathways without consulting them, limit access to information about pathways that aren’t deemed appropriate, or shunt students into less rigorous tracks for the purpose of credit recovery. As a result, when pathways are available, many students and their families learn to view them as alternatives to traditional education—that is, for some, but certainly not all, students. Changing this mindset requires effective communication to inform students and their families about the benefits of pathways, including students in co-creating and personalizing learning, and ensuring that pathways target the needs of all students.
For role-specific resources, please visit our appendix.
By students and families, we mean:
Strategies for Students and Families
- Identify and meet with the main point of contact for pathways in your school, whether that person is a pathways coordinator, teacher, administrator, or guidance counselor, to be sure you understand what pathways are available to you, how they relate to graduation requirements, and how they relate to the world outside of school.
- Find an adult in the building who can advocate for you. Don’t be deterred if you encounter initial roadblocks to joining pathways. If you encounter any, your ally can advocate for removing those barriers, including things like scheduling conflicts, unanticipated expenses, or transportation challenges that might prevent you from taking advantage of opportunities outside of school.
- Understand the requirements of the pathway you’ve joined. For instance, some pathways might require you to make and keep a personalized learning plan or develop a portfolio that demonstrates your learning over time. If you aren’t sure you understand those requirements, ask an adult ally in your building.
- Know that individualized education plans (IEPs) and other required educational supports should follow you or your student into pathways of their choice.
- Share your own positive stories of your learning in pathways with friends and family. Spread the word so that other people know how pathways can impact their education!
Equity Check
- Do I know where to go to find out what pathways are available to me and what the process is for applying for those pathways?
- Do I have an ally to go to to report or resolve roadblocks and challenges?
- Does my school or district have support in place for me to pursue pathways for learning, including advisory systems, clear guidance about accessing opportunities, transportation services, and support for special needs?
- How will the different pathways at my school set me up for a better future?
- Are the learning outcomes of pathways clear and challenging enough for me?
- Does each pathway align with quality work and life opportunities in my future?
- Do pathways at my school force me into learning tracks, or do they support personalization and flexibility? For instance, if I join a career and technical education pathway, does the schedule force me into less challenging courses?
- Do traditional course and credit requirements make it difficult for me to do anything other than take those courses in order to graduate?
- Has the program given me what I need so that I can feel successful?
- Does participating in this program cause additional strains or challenges for my family? For instance, do I have to pay to participate or provide my own transportation?
