Pathways is fully accredited by WASC (Western Association to Schools and Colleges). Therefore, within our program, students can complete the a to g courses necessary to directly enter a UC/CSU or private school. Throughout the five counties that we serve, we structure support classes and resources for high school students in order to deliver high quality instruction (see regional class schedules for details). Whether or not your educational and/or career goals require a specific “A-G approved progression, you should anticipate a high level of rigor and personal accountability expected from your assignments. This is the nature of independent study, as it places the responsibility of achievement squarely with individual students. However, you are not alone and will be a very active participant within a team. Whatever pathway you choose should best serve your needs and goals and our staff is committed to assisting and supporting your course choices.
At Pathways, we use a department model within our high school program to assure that students receive instruction from highly qualified instructors. One single subject credentialed teacher is appointed as the Department Chair. In conjunction with the Academic Program Director, these Department Chairs help to oversee the implementation of our a to g courses across the school. The Chairs partner with their colleagues in other regions of the school to validate that there is continuity and rigor within our academic program. Some years, the Chairs will host online advising sessions for students that are not attending a regional learning center class. For more information on online advising options, please see the text and document inserted below.
Educational Team Approach Independent study is thus a contract between students, families and the school to work together to ensure that the student meets the requirements of the program.
The success of a student’s educational program depends on the relationship between student, parent, and teacher. This relationship is formalized through the Educational Team. Board policy has delineated the roles, rights and responsibilities of this team; you may request a copy of the policy from the main office.
Made “user-friendly” this policy describes the “parent” role as that person who is primarily responsible for overseeing daily instruction. This person is usually the parent or guardian, though someone else designated by the parent as the “educational guardian” may fill the “parent” role. As team members and those who know the student best, parents are encouraged to participate in goal setting and creating the students’ educational plan.
