Tupelo High School
In 2010, Mississippi state policymakers passed legislation to create multiple pathways to a standard diploma. Out of that legislation came the Pathways to Success Program, where Mississippi students will now how the choice of three pathways for a standard high school diploma. The goals of the program are:
- Assist students in selecting their appropriate graduation pathway
- Increase attendance rates, high school GPA, and scores on statewide tests in secondary schools
- Increase enrollment in dual-credit courses
- Increase rates of post-secondary enrollment and completion
- Decrease remediation at the posts-secondary level
- Produce higher skilled employees for the workforce
Traditional Pathway Option---(24 Credits) Districts have the option to increase the amount of credits needed to complete this pathway. TPSD will likely increase the credit requirement to 26 or higher. Completion of this pathway will meet requirements to be accepted into a 4-year university.
District Pathway Option---(21 Credits) Completion of this pathway may meet requirements for acceptance to a community college
Career Pathway Option---(21 Credits) Completion of this pathway will guarantee acceptance in a Mississippi community college. The Career Pathways Option is the only one that requires a career cluster selection.
One of the keys to improving student achievement is providing students with relevant context for studying and learning. Career Clusters do exactly this by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for success in secondary education and the workplace. The National Career Clusters Framework comprises Career Clusters and related Career Pathways to help students of all ages explore different career options and better prepare for college and the workplace.Each Career Cluster represents a distinct grouping of occupations and industries based on the knowledge and skills they require. The Career Clusters and related Career Pathways provide an important organizational tool for schools to develop more effective programs of study and curriculum.
TPSD's Career Cluster Options
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Other Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is TPSD lowering its standards by reducing the credit requirements for graduation? NO. The Pathways for Success program has been mandated by the state to help increase Mississippi’s graduation rate. Although students have the option to choose a pathway that requires 21 credits, each student also has the option to choose the traditional pathway that has a higher credit requirement. Essentially a student is not losing credits but choosing the pathway for his or her graduation.
2. Can a student change graduation pathways? YES. Although a student chooses his or her pathway as an 8th grader, the student does have the option to change at any stage. However, it is important to note that it is better to choose the Traditional Pathway initially because it has the highest credit requirement. It is easier to choose to change a pathway that requires less credits later in the high school career than it is to choose to change to a pathway that requires more credits.
3. What options are available to current students to increase graduation rates? Current high school students will have the option to graduate through the District Pathway if they meet the specified credit requirements and have passed all subject area tests.
4. Are there any other requirements for graduation? YES. All students must pass the 4 state subject area tests.
5. How will block scheduling affect the new pathways requirement? Block scheduling may require the Board to increase the credit requirement for the Traditional Pathway to at least 28 credits. Block scheduling may also reduce the traditional time a student spends in high school to 3 years because it allows for students to earn more credits during the school year. If a student meets high school requirements before his/her 4th year, an opportunity will be provided for him/her to participate in dual enrollment.
7. Will a culmination project be required for graduation regardless of the student’s graduation pathway choice? YES. All students will need to complete a culmination project before graduating.
8. Will the diploma look different for the each of the different pathway choices? NO. Each THS graduate will receive the same high school diploma, regardless of their graduation pathway choice. However, most colleges and employers will request an official transcript which will reflect the amount of credits earned and will show the differences in the pathway options.
TPSD Pathways to Success Presentation
6. Does the graduation pathways program limit students’ opportunity to pursue a liberal arts degree? NO. The pathway options reflect a minimum credit requirement to graduate. Students will NOT be limited to the amount of credits they accumulate during their high school career. Students can take as many credits as they like (not matter what pathway he/she chooses), so as to guarantee admission to a college/university.
7. Will a culmination project be required for graduation regardless of the student’s graduation pathway choice? YES. All students will need to complete a culmination project before graduating.
8. Will the diploma look different for the each of the different pathway choices? NO. Each THS graduate will receive the same high school diploma, regardless of their graduation pathway choice. However, most colleges and employers will request an official transcript which will reflect the amount of credits earned and will show the differences in the pathway options.
9. Will students have resources/tools to help them make a graduation pathway choice? YES. The greatest resources our students have are our counselors. When a student begins to select his/her pathway it is important they discuss their options with a school counselor. Also, 8th graders will complete an Individual Career and Academic Plan (iCAP). Additionally, students will be given a career inventory test, Choice’s, in the 8th grade. The results of this career inventory will be sent home with students to discuss with their parents.
TPSD Pathways to Success Presentation
