Project Graduation: A Partnership Between Blackwell Middle School and Pioneer Tech Max Ingram, a Gateway student at Blackwell Middle School, is shown cutting his dragster from a wedge of wood. Students designed the models using CAD software. After their blueprint was complete they began fabrication. Once the model was together, each student was able to paint and design their dragster. When they are finished, the race is on. Historically, Kay County has had one of the highest school drop out rates in the state. Studies of high school dropout rates have shown evidence that students are becoming disengaged with education and training prior to entering high school. With this in mind, Pioneer Technology Center has created a new initiative designed to improve graduation rates and better prepare students for the workforce and post-secondary education through Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education (CareerTech) programs and services. A partnership program between Blackwell Middle School and Pioneer Tech, called Gateway, is being piloted at Blackwell Middle School. The program combines rigorous academic preparation and challenging hands-on career focused instruction. The intended target of the program is interested eighth grade students. In only its first year the course’s enrollment is high and interest is peaking. The course includes hands-on projects, the use of unique materials, and group efforts to lead students through career exploration, preparation for CareerTech, and post-secondary education. “This initiative is exciting and should make a huge difference in many students' lives,” said Dr. Steve Tiger, Pioneer Technology Center superintendent. Pioneer is coordinating the program through one of its district partners, Blackwell Public Schools. The technology center hopes to expand the program where appropriate throughout its district. Blackwell Middle School is already seeing the positive effects of the program and the potential for the future. “By educating these students on the possibilities of career technology opportunities, we will see an impact on our community as these students graduate from high school and pursue additional education at our local career technology center rather than drop out,” said Jaylene Soulek, Blackwell Middle School principal. Kari Widener is the Gateway Program instructor at Blackwell Middle School. She currently teaches two courses and has around 16 students in each course. She has been enjoying the smaller classroom setting and getting to see the students learn. “Gateway has opened new doors for these students,” said Widener. “They get to show off their work to other students throughout the school, so they are proud of what they have done.” Dr. Tiger explained that BMS’ effort is also a workforce and economic development initiative. The outcomes should increase students’ interest in viable careers and continued education and training to support their career goals. Pioneer and its partners understand that a major key to economic development is a high graduation rate along with CareerTech and/or post-secondary education. “Many of our citizens that live in Blackwell have lived here, graduated from high school in Blackwell, pursued interests outside of Blackwell, but have returned to Blackwell to start a business or work in a career, and raise their families,” said Soulek. “Our community thrives because of the quality education we offer and the opportunities available. The Blackwell community is impacted by each and every person’s success and/or failure. By reaching each and every student we are impacting our community every day.”

Posted on Wednesday, December 09, 2009 (Archive on Sunday, January 10, 2010) Posted by ljackson  Contributed by ljackson

Return