How Do California School Districts Get Ready for Multiple Pathways? A Synthesis of Planning Challenges

This brief SRN report focuses on a reform effort taking place in ten school districts in California that are planning a comprehensive system of multiple pathways in high schools. 

As districts and secondary schools across California attempt to re-construct educational offerings at the secondary level, they face a myriad of challenges. These challenges are compounded by the tendency in reform efforts to focus on the school alone. This brief report focuses on a more comprehensive reform effort taking place in ten school districts in California that are planning a comprehensive system of multiple pathways in high schools. It captures the main challenges and opportunities experienced by the ten districts receiving planning grants through Connect- Ed’s District Initiative for Expanding Pathways, supported by The James Irvine Foundation from January through June, 2009.

The report reflects the ongoing commitment of SRN to support ConnectEd’s demonstration network of California school districts creating systems of multiple pathways to prepare all students for both college and career.