Allentown School District Introduces Three New Programs for High School Students
Posted on 02/28/2019
The Allentown School District (ASD) is excited to announce three new programs that will be added to the high school Program of Studies and offered to students for the 2019-2020 school year.
“As a District we are committed to centering our work on personalized learning and instruction for Allentown School District students,” said Thomas Parker, Superintendent of Allentown School District. “In response to the recent Curriculum Audit, which identified areas of needed growth or focus, we are introducing three new programs that will offer additional opportunities for our students and prepare them to graduate college and career ready.”
The first program, in partnership with Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC), will give students the opportunity to earn an associate of the arts degree while they are simultaneously completing their high school diploma. The Allentown Early College Pathway is a dual enrollment program for juniors and seniors, and courses can be taken at either LCCC’s Main or Donley Campus.
The Allentown Early College Pathway program builds on best practices from other states already using this model. A dual enrollment student will earn the 60 college credits necessary to acquire an associate in just 2 years, which will fully transfer to any four-year college or any other post-secondary option. All costs associated with the dual enrollment program are covered by the Allentown School District including tuition, textbooks and transportation.
The second new program recognizes that career readiness is an essential part of the educational process for students as they prepare for college and careers. The Workforce Board Lehigh Valley created a curriculum based on “Employability Skills.” The course will teach and develop skills in the areas of building effective relationships, workplace etiquette, and applied knowledge. Curriculum is based on the Standards of Career and Technical Education (CTE) along with feedback from workforce development and business organizations and the U.S Department of Education.
This new partnership with the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley is fully funded through a grant which has already been received. This course will be offered to seniors and upon completion, students will receive a certificate and mock interview opportunities with Career Link.
Members of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley addressed the ASD Board of Directors during the February 14 committee meeting, citing the importance of programs that develop these workplace skills in students, citing the importance of these skills for young people entering the workforce after high school. There was also discussion about how to expand the partnership between ASD and the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley to include similar age-appropriate programs relative to career exploration and pathways to ASD middle and elementary schools in the future.
Lastly, ASD is excited to add a Driver’s Education Theory course to the program of studies. The PA Department of Transportation requires young adults, under the age of 18 years of age, to complete a driver’s education theory course in order to obtain a PA driver’s license. Obtaining a driver’s license is sometimes critical for students who work evenings or weekends. In this class, ASD students will learn about PA traffic laws and regulations and learn practical skills and information, such as: operating and inspecting a vehicle, recognizing aggressive drivers, driving distractions, handling roadside emergencies, and the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving. The course will ensure that young drivers have all the information and skills necessary to be a safe, knowledgeable, and courteous driver. Students who successfully complete this new semester course will be able to take their completion certificate to CLIU21 or any certified driving school for behind the wheel training, providing them with a clear path to obtain a driver’s license.
The full 2019-2020 Program of Studies can be found here.