Roadmap
Planning for, launching, and cultivating a P-TECH school is no small feat, so IBM has gathered some resources to help. Below are case studies from various P-TECH schools. Each describes a common P-TECH school hurdle and a scalable solution.
Planning Year
Identify a visionary and talented school leader
Create a formal Steering Committee of key decision makers from each partner to guide the school from conception to reality
Launch Planning Committees responsible for key areas of school development
Create a Scope & Sequence that integrates high school and college classes as well as Workplace Learning experiences
1st Year
Review and document student data, including demographics and early performance indicators, such as attendance and high school grades
Consider building an Advisory Board to help support and guide the school (optional)
2nd Year
Conduct a formal review of student data, both qualitative and quantitative, and determine any necessary course corrections in advance of the new school year
3rd Year
4th Year
5th Year
6th Year
With the school reaching full maturity, determine how to recognize this milestone
Planning Year
Recruit first group of Year 1 (9th grade) students, using an open admissions process
Recruit faculty and staff who embrace innovation and believe that every child can achieve
1st Year
Host a Summer Bridge program to prep incoming students
Implement classes that embrace project-based learning, integrate the school’s career focus and Workplace Learning concepts to motivate students
Provide innovative teacher professional development opportunities that include project-based learning and understanding of careers that are available to students upon graduation
2nd Year
Design and implement academic classes during the summer, such as geometry, for rising Year 2 students
Design and host planning and professional development opportunities for high school and college faculty to create seamless learning opportunities for students
Recruit new cohort of incoming Year 1 students
Recruit additional faculty and staff
Host a Summer Bridge program to prep incoming students
Implement classes that embrace project-based learning, and Workplace Learning concepts
Provide innovative teacher P.D. opportunities
3rd Year
4th Year
Provide college guidance for students who will graduate early from the school
Celebrate early graduates
Host a “step up” ceremony that recognizes students who have met high school requirements but are moving on to finish their associate degree
5th Year
As some students spend more time in college coursework, work in collaboration with college to ensure these students have supports from the high school
6th Year
Planning Year
Identify degrees that align to Industry Partner’s identified skill needs
Hire a College Liaison to serve as the link between the high school and college
Identify the appropriate deans and faculty who will work with the high school and industry partners
1st Year
Offer students early college experiences through introductory classes and/or visits and events on the college campus
Start exposing students to potential degree pathways
Provide students with a college ID and email address to create buy-in and confirm degree completion as the end goal
2nd Year
Identify faculty who will teach college classes, and where these courses will take place
Provide college classes for Year 2 students who have demonstrated readiness, based on college requirements
Put supports in place to ensure student success in college courses
3rd Year
4th Year
Recognize early graduates who have earned their associate degree and determine how to highlight them at community college graduation
5th Year
Provide focused supports for Year 5 students, who will be spending most of their time at the college
6th Year
Planning Year
Develop a Skills Map based on entry-level skills that employers need that informs the degree pathways and the development of the Scope & Sequence
Hire an Industry Liaison who will manage and implement industry commitments to the school and its students
1st Year
Provide high school and college faculty and staff with opportunities to learn about specific industry and careers available to students upon graduation
Implement Workplace Learning curriculum to help students understand and master skills critical for employability
Launch a mentoring program that pairs students with industry professionals
Host multiple worksite visits to introduce students to careers
Invite industry speakers to school, especially those that can enlighten students on careers in their degree fields
2nd Year
Implement a set of evolved Workplace Learning opportunities for Year 2 students that include curriculum, mentoring, site visits, speakers, and project days
3rd Year
Prepare and implement skills-based, paid internship program for students in Year 3, to launch in summer before Year 4
4th Year
Facilitate first-in-line access to job opportunities for early graduates interested in work