Priority III: Creating Pathways for Tomorrow

Allentown School District Strategic Plan: Lighting the Way-A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030

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Priority III: Creating Pathways for Tomorrow

Create cutting-edge experiences and opportunities for students.

Why is this urgent?

The Allentown School District prioritizes providing students with real-world experiences, transferable skills, and foundational knowledge to navigate our dynamic world. Fostering student success beyond high school requires access to experiences for all students so graduates are prepared for their future–college, trade, military, or career–and can imagine how to participate in an evolving global community.

Our Commitment

We aim to facilitate forward-thinking and inclusive opportunities for students that align with their individual strengths, needs, and future goals. These possibilities will consider students’ lived experiences and help them embrace a world of opportunity, empowering all students to learn and lead in their chosen path. Original and imaginative experiences expand the ways in which students discover meaning, unlock their full potential, and thrive in society.

How Will We Measure Our Progress Towards These Goals?

The number of created specialty schools, business partnerships, and students engaged in internships, specialized programs, and course offerings.

Goals & Strategic Actions

Goal 1: Develop theme-based schools focusing on educational experiences, encouraging students to connect learning to their interests, and real-world applications.
Goal 2: Increase opportunities for students in grades PreKindergarten through 12 to participate in forward-thinking and enriching activities that enhance student learning.

Goal 1: Develop theme-based schools focusing on educational experiences, encouraging students to connect learning to their interests, and real-world applications.

Strategic Actions

Develop a system to engage the community, families, and students of grades preKindergarten through twelve in developing specialty schools aligned to interests, workforce needs, and career pathways.
Tailor curriculum for each specialty school, embedding project-based learning, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary instructional approaches.
Formulate marketing and recruitment plans that ensure sustainability and continuity of specialty schools and programs, attracting diverse student populations, fostering long-term community support, and enhancing the overall educational landscape.
Develop career immersion programs, such as job shadowing, mentorship, and industry tours, to give students hands-on experience in various fields. Partner with local employers to offer internships and apprenticeships that provide valuable skills and networking opportunities and offer access to microcredentials aligned to pathways and areas of interest.

Goal 2: Increase opportunities for students in grades PreKindergarten through 12 to participate in forward-thinking and enriching activities that enhance student learning.

Strategic Actions

Promote and increase participation in enrichment activities, such as educational field trips, extended learning opportunities, and service-learning experiences that support the local community.
Enhance the Program of Studies for grades 6-12 to include career pathways, student interests, and postsecondary readiness to meet graduation requirements and reflect school themes.
Strengthen the articulation of high-quality fine arts education to cultivate and nurture students’ diverse talents and passions, ensuring experiences that support their personal and artistic growth.
Promote and disseminate information to families about district and community partner offerings of after-school and summer extended learning opportunities for students in the learning community.

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Priority III: Creating Pathways for Tomorrow