Durfee Schools pilot hybrid learning pathway reengaging struggling students

A groundbreaking hybrid education model is making waves in Fall River, with the School Committee's Special Education, Alternative Education, and Early Childhood Subcommittee highlighting its success during a recent meeting. The pilot program, known as "Lehi," has reengaged 16 students, including dropouts and those struggling with attendance, and is set to expand significantly next year.

The hybrid pathway offers students three flexible learning options: asynchronous virtual learning, a combination of in-person and virtual classes, and after-school support sessions. Impressively, five out of six previously disengaged students are on track to graduate this year, showcasing the program's effectiveness in addressing the needs of at-risk youth.

The committee is seeking approval to grow the program from 16 to 50 students in the upcoming academic year, with plans to reach 100 students in subsequent years. This expansion is fueled by a recent $150,000 sustainability grant from the Barr Foundation, aimed at enhancing professional development and curriculum adaptation for the flex pathway.

Eligibility for the program currently requires students to be at least a year and a half behind in credits, but future plans include opening it up to ninth graders and those seeking a non-traditional learning environment. The committee is optimistic about the potential to reengage students who have left the traditional school system, particularly those who have turned to homeschooling or alternative education programs.

As the district prepares to submit an application for a student learning time waiver to the Department of Education, the focus remains on meeting the diverse needs of students and ensuring they have access to a supportive and adaptable educational experience. The committee's proactive approach signals a commitment to innovation in education, aiming to create pathways for success for all students in Fall River.