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Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett toured Spring Lake Park High School Career and College Pathways along with colleagues from Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  

The commissioner was joined by DEED CareerForce Division Director Jeanna Fortney, Rep. Matt Norris, and Minnesota Department Education Career and College Success Supervisor Michelle Kamenov. The group came specifically to tour Career and Technical Education spaces and hear directly from students and educators.

Over the course of an hour-long tour, state leaders had an opportunity to interact with Spring Lake Park High School’s three pathways – Technology, Engineering and Design; Business and Entrepreneurship; and, Health and Human Services.

“This was a great opportunity to showcase our approach to career exploration,” says Matthew Boucher, principal. “We know it’s special, and it was such a privilege to bring this experience to life for state leaders through interactions with our tremendous educators and students.”

The high school offers 37 courses across pathways, 14 of which offer opportunities for college credit. This school year, more than 1,230 students are taking at least one pathways course and many are taking several. The authentic learning is supported by the community, with more than 200 business, industry and community partners contributing to the learning.

Show and tell

In the Maker Space, the clean lab, the 3D printers were humming. Students in the “How to Make Anything II” class shared what they were designing using CAD software. They had a chance to explain the 3D design process they follow and answer questions.

Karen Kutz, the course instructor and STEM educator, talked about the diversity of students who find their way to her classes to explore potential interests in engineering and design.

The scope of courses and approach allows students to have multiple entry points and ways to learn and succeed whatever grade they are in, whether they receive special education services, are new to design or are already experts in CAD.

Through the door, the dirty lab was alive with the smell of sawdust and the Construction Trades course, another course within the Technology, Engineering and Design pathway. Students were gathering before heading out to the parking lot and the current house build project.

Scott Wicklund, the construction trades teacher, shared that he’s a “recovering social studies teacher.” His long teaching career and expertise provide a depth to the construction trades courses that enhances the whole experience. Scott was able to share how these courses ignite interest in school for students who learn in a hands-on way. He also talked about the importance of partnerships.

Partnerships are also critical to the Business and Entrepreneurship pathway. Students in the year-long Marketing and Entrepreneurship course were out in the community. In small groups, they have been working with local businesses to help them solve real problems. This was the week to be out in the community presenting their final recommendations to their “clients.”

For the Opportunities in Emergency Care program, part of the Health and Human Services pathway, it was scenario day. Through different, realistic scenarios, students were practicing with patients (parent and community volunteers) to polish their skills before certification exams. Visitors had a chance to observe a group of EMT students respond to a car stopped with a driver slumped over the steering wheel for an unknown reason. The response was practiced and professional.

Learning impact

After the tour, participants had a chance to debrief what they had seen and heard.

“I’m blown away. There are wonderful things going on in this building and wonderful things going on in this community in terms of partners teaming up in collaboration throughout the year to provide access and opportunities for young people,” says Commissioner Jett. “I feel fortunate to be able to experience it myself.”

Student Anas Sumrin, senior, shared his experience going deep in the Health and Human Services Pathway and specifically the Opportunities in Emergency Care program. Before this experience, he thought he wanted to do something in business – maybe run his own company. Instead, he’s found a passion for service to others.

“I am so grateful and so thankful that I’ve been able to take these courses,” says Anas, who is currently interning with the Fridley Fire Department after earning his EMT and EMR.

Students are able to take courses across pathways as they explore – and also go deep into one.

“We’re very excited that sometimes our kids learn deeply that this is the thing they want to do. And, sometimes, they learn this isn’t something they want to do . . .  and that is great learning before they have to pay for it in terms of college time and tuition,” says Matthew.

Career and College Pathways courses launched in 2018. Each year, the learning evolves based on emerging trends and opportunities. This kind of learning requires flexibility.

“Courses with college credit, career exploration, real-world connections – these are elements of the educational experience we need our kids to have to prepare them for a future we can’t even imagine,” says Jeff Ronneberg, superintendent. “As education continues to evolve, we need to rethink seat time so kids have opportunities to explore and do more hands on, relevant and deep learning.”

The experience clearly made an impression for the state visitors.

Could this be a model? It should be a model. I would recommend people to come visit because there’s so many wonderful things happening here that benefit young people and overall benefit the entire community. Commissioner Willie Jett

Learn more about Career and College Readiness at Spring Lake Park Schools.

North Metro TV: Spring Lake Park HS program gives students a career jump start