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Franklin High students describe how new pathways build skills for college, careers and community
Summary
Students and school leaders presented results from expanded course pathways at Franklin High School, focusing on education, computer science and officiating programs. Board members praised the classes for student engagement and life-readiness.
Franklin High School staff and students described new and expanded pathways to the school board on March 19, telling the board how courses in education, computer science and officiating have changed students’ classroom experiences and post‑graduation plans.
The presentation and student voices Mrs. Larson introduced Principal Mike Volo and a group of students who spoke about three pathways: foundations of education (an educator pathway), the computer science/programming sequence and an officiating/refereeing course. Associate leaders and teachers framed the pathways as part of the district’s coherence plan and “profile of a graduate” work; students gave specific examples of what they learned and how the courses influenced their plans.
Students described concrete outcomes. Jack and McKenna (education pathway) said the college-level Foundations of Education course (offered through UW-Parkside) helped them understand classroom dynamics and confirm plans to enter teaching. Computer science students described collaborative work, student-led hackathons and competition wins; senior Anant said programming classes helped him and peers form sustained collaboration and start a coding club and competitions team. Alvira noted peer collaboration, internships and robotics team work. AJ spoke about the officiating course’s focus on rules, positioning and confidence, and described giving back to community youth sports by staffing games.
Board response and context Board members praised the students and teachers, with several members noting the programs build confidence and real-world skills. District leaders said the courses were added or expanded following board approvals in the past two years and indicated they will return with further updates in the fall to show how the pathways tie to “life readiness” and the systemwide graduate profile.
Ending District staff said they will continue to report progress and will bring examples of additional pathways — such as theater or engineering — to future meetings as course development continues.
