Learning Opportunities: Reimagined
*renderings for conceptual illustration only
Educational Pathways: A Road to Innovative Learning
Sapulpa Educational Pathways Director, Mindy Englett, is on a mission. She, along with community and educational partners, will design and develop an innovative Educational Pathways program for Sapulpa students. Students will have the opportunity to expand their learning experiences and customize their own educational journey.
Thanks to generous donations from the Make Sense Foundation and SeneGence founder and CEO, Joni Rogers-Kante, and her family, development for the Educational Pathways program is already underway.
Under the Chieftain Stronger Bond 2023 proposal, the new Sapulpa High School building will reflect and enhance this unique set of programs to best serve our students.
"Since the 2019-20 academic year, all 9th graders in Oklahoma must complete an Individualized Career Academic Plan, or ICAP," said Englett. "It is an intentional sequence of courses that indicate progress toward a post-secondary goal. We considered how we could make the most of this chance to give all Sapulpa students greater support for job exploration and the learning opportunities necessary to help them pursue those careers after graduation."
That, Englett says, is what led to the concept of Educational Pathways.
Learn for the Future
Through the Educational Pathways program, and new student learning environments inside a new high school, students will get access to some of the most cutting-edge equipment used in industry.
"New technology added throughout the building will only enhance instruction," said Englett. "The Pathways program will also offer more internship opportunities. They'll be able to gain practical, hands-on experience."
A new Fabrication Lab, for instance, would give students the opportunity to use high-tech tools in 3D printing, welding, and more. It could also be a place for local tinkerers, thinkers, and hobbyists in the Sapulpa community.
Create Community Connections
While still in the beginning stages, Sapulpa Public Schools is pursuing numerous partnerships to advance the Educational Pathways program. One of those alliances may be with area colleges and universities which could provide comprehensive dual enrollment programs, perhaps leading to a concurrent associate's degree for high school graduates.
Another avenue includes career tech partnerships. SPS will work alongside Central Tech to give students access to practical training and workforce development, connecting them with careers immediately after graduation.
The goal of the Educational Pathways program is to meet the needs of each individual student, and set them up for success after graduation.
"This is an opportunity to grow Sapulpa courses and add more AP courses in the future," said Englett. "The important factor in this is that it is not just college or career tech driven. This is driven by what our individual students need for success. This is a time for them to develop a plan and explore future career options."
NOW is the Time
For six decades, the current Sapulpa High School building has been part of the fabric of our community. But Sapulpa is growing and changing. Sapulpa Public Schools looks to do the same with our future high school students.
Through the Educational Pathways program, we are reimagining the high school experience. With the Chieftain Stronger Bond 2023 proposal, students would be able to create their own path at a new high school building which represents the extraordinary learning happening inside.
Keep checking sapulpaps.org/bond2023 where you will find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and a list of proposed projects.
The bond election takes place on Tuesday, September 12.
Sapulpa Times: Chieftain Stronger, Part Three: Educational Pathways
