District Pilots New Educational Advancement Program
At the beginning of the second semester, a select number of Stebbins students will have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long, pilot program matching technology, highly qualified teachers, project based learning, and high standards. These students will be participants in the districts’ new Educational Advancement Program which will allow them the opportunity to earn credit faster than their peers currently in traditional high school courses. The Educational Advancement Program will utilize an altered student day and learning environment to accelerate courses based more on student knowledge than on a traditional school calendar.
The program, which will be initially housed at the district’s Central Office, will first target at-risk junior and senior aged students in an effort to assist them in graduating with their same age peers. Students will attend school daily, albeit on a shortened schedule, and have access to core curricular software via the web. Each course has been designed with an emphasis on using software to individualize instruction, while providing an opportunity for teacher guided, hands on learning. The program will match end-of-course requirements of traditional high school courses to ensure the integrity of awarding credit.
If successful, this program may have a significant impact on the high school curriculum and course offerings. The district is looking to expand the program to students seeking credit advancement and dual credit options in the future.