The High School at Pioneer Springs: An Agenda for Action
Basic School founder Dr. Ernest Boyer outlined the role of high schools in America and articulated an “agenda for action” in his 1984 text, High School. Central to Dr. Boyer’s ideas about successful high schools are the inclusion of:
It is upon Dr. Boyer’s tenets that Pioneer Springs developed its high school program comprised of five pathways through which students can pursue their personal and occupational interests while navigating academic requirements. All pathways include a heavy emphasis on core content in tandem with language and digital literacy development, as well as an integrated work component. PSCS high school students, teachers, and parents share a common goal that students will both fulfill the requirements for graduation as well as develop specialized skills that allow them to enter the workforce or pursue continued studies in a chosen field.
- clear goals shared by students, teachers and staff, and parents
- an emphasis on proficiency with both written and spoken English
- a focus on core classes (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies) as the majority of units required for graduation
- the development of digital literacy interwoven into the classroom experience and a consideration of social and ethical issues with technology
- time devoted to the opportunity to work and to consider the value of work within various cultures, different forms of work, and preparation for an occupation
It is upon Dr. Boyer’s tenets that Pioneer Springs developed its high school program comprised of five pathways through which students can pursue their personal and occupational interests while navigating academic requirements. All pathways include a heavy emphasis on core content in tandem with language and digital literacy development, as well as an integrated work component. PSCS high school students, teachers, and parents share a common goal that students will both fulfill the requirements for graduation as well as develop specialized skills that allow them to enter the workforce or pursue continued studies in a chosen field.
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