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PCSD approves "Pathway to a Diploma" for students, advancing a state-funded project for students with disabilities
Summary
Trustees approved submission of a five-course diploma pathway—part of a state $10 million grant—designed to provide a career-and-CTE-focused alternative route to a high school diploma and to pilot at High Point Academy in fall 2026.
The PCSD board on March 19 voted to submit a five-course diploma pathway application to the South Carolina Department of Education that integrates CTE-focused courses with Carnegie-unit rigor and aims to support students with disabilities and general-education students pursuing workplace credentials.
PCSD staff explained the district is participating in the state'led South Carolina Pathway Project, funded initially by a $10 million 2023 grant to improve secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. The pathway combines previously approved innovative English courses (English I'IV variations) with a new quantitative-reasoning course to form a coherent sequence that aligns with CTE completer pathways and industry-recognized credentials. Staff said High Point Academy is scheduled to pilot the full sequence this fall and that schools may implement any of the pathway courses individually or as the full sequence.
Staff asked for board approval to submit the pathway application to the state and permission to make non-material changes; trustees approved the submission by voice vote. Staff defined "non-material changes" as those that do not require additional funding, increase liability, or add substantial work.
PCSD said the pathway emphasizes work-based learning and apprenticeships, and that implementation would occur once the state department approves the application. The district will share the state project's website and coordinate with partners named in its memorandum of understanding, including vocational rehabilitation and the University of South Carolina.
