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My Reading Coach
A unique computer-based reading program is in use at all our Pathways schools. "My Reading Coach" is particularly suited to our students because it is individualized and flexible. The program assesses the needs of each individual and tailors the instruction to address deficits and reinforce strengths. Because each student has his or her own account with a login and password, they can stop and continue their work at their own pace, picking up where they left off each time. The program is appropriate for every reading level from non-readers through 12th grade. While we are collecting quantifiable data about improvement in reading levels, already our students are expressing their appreciation for this software-based learning program and are showing growing confidence and strength in their reading abilities.
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Alternative Therapies Teaching strategies and therapies that use the arts as a motivational tool and avenue for learning are essential for
 | | Crossland Re-Entry students work on a mural. |
our students who often need alternative ways both to access information and express themselves. Pathways' "Alternative Therapies" program brings artists from many disciplines to work with our students for days and weeks at a time through workshops and residencies. Our October newsletter highlighted one such residency when poet Carol Peck worked with students at Pathways DuVal-Re-Entry helping them to experience how writing poetry can be a journey to self-discovery. Other arts-integrated activities in the works for this year include using percussive folk dance to explore America's multi-cultural heritage and enhance self-expression and employing stories and story-telling to build self-awareness, confidence and communication skills. In recent years, Pathways has hosted mural artists, drummers, sculptors, fabric artists and musicians to work with our students to supportl earning in subjects areas from language arts to math and life skills. |
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Young Entrepreneurs
Three years ago the Young Entrepreneurs Program began at The Pathways School-Edgewood. This year it is expanding to include high school students from all the Pathways sites. The program is a comprehensive, hands-on effort to teach students how to start and succeed with a business. Run by its parent nonprofit in Prince George's County, the program consists of weekly workshops in which experienced business owners use a curriculum and model designed by the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to take students through the steps from idea to market. This year the program has a strong commmunity component, as students take field trips to trade shows and local businesses, such as a recording studio and private TV station, and have opportunities to shadow owners and operators. As part of the program's learning process, students are required to actually begin a business. Two years ago this resulted in a small student company that designed and marketed Pathways tee shirts to the school community. The current participants in the Young Entrepreneurs Program are working to start a catering business. |
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HoopEd This high-energy program uses the game of basketball to teach life skills. Now in its 14th year at Pathways, the program and its leader Jonathan Scribner received the school's Community Partner in Education Award in 2009. HoopEd is open to all students regardless of skill or experience, but those who participate must commit to
 | | Going up for a jump ball in a recent HoopEd session |
coming every session. While learning and practicing basketball skills, students are challenged to try new skills, make good choices in response to tense or unfamiliar situations, cooperate with other players, cope with mistakes and handle frustration positively. The sessions are fast-paced and intense, filled with challenging drills and exciting scrimages. At the end of every session Coach Jonathan gathers the students for a discussion to give and receive feedback, a conversation that often reveals growing self-awareness and leadership skills among the students. |
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Therapeutic Horseback Riding Also a prior winner of the Pathways Community Partner in Education Award, the Therapeutic Riding Program of the
 | | Under the supervision of the therapeutic riding instructors, an Edgewood student gets acquainted with his horse. |
Rock Creek Horse Center has for years used horses and their care to teach students about responsibility and cooperation. Once a week students visit the stable where they learn about horse physiology, psychology, handling and care and the importance of teamwork. In learning to ride, students must follow directions, overcome fear and develop confidence. At the end of the program students are required to demonstrate what they have learned and to speak to an audience of adults and peers about their horse and their experience. |
