September 1999
"Alternative" High School
Work in the United States has changed significantly because of two factors: the globalization of the economy and the great influence of technology in the workplace. No longer can American companies feel satisfied to be the best in the country, for competition is worldwide.
If the United States is to remain a major economic power, more attention must be paid to the connection between current curriculum offerings and critical skills needed by all people in the workplace.
With this in mind we need to come up with skills that transcend careers. Given the transitory nature of employment today, few workers can expect to work for one employer their entire life. The futurists tell us that recent high school graduates can expect to encounter six to seven major job shifts in their lives. If that is the case, it should be evident that different skills - skills that transcend one career or one corporation - are needed for workers to remain competitive throughout their working life. This is the basis for our course entitled "Vocational Career Information." To be eligible for this course the student must spend a minimum of 10 hours per week engaged in academic instruction at Plymouth Alternative High School.
The Plymouth Alternative High School (PAHS) is held in the Service Center,, beside the Administration building. To be eligible to attend PAHS you must be a legal resident of Marshall County and be recommended by your home school principal. Once an application has been made, the interview process takes place. The student must choose to attend PAHS and agree to any stipulations made upon them. They must also provide their own transportation to and from school and provide their own lunch. The student may attend one or both sessions. The classes meet from 10:00 to 12:00 and 12:30 to 2:30, for a total of 20 hours. The alternative students are not allowed to be a part of Plymouth High School, except in viewing extra curricular activities. PAHS does not charge any fees, as there is no outside homework and all books stay on the premises.
Alternative High School is set up so the student works independently. Each student is given a syllabus for the core courses they need. To earn the course credit they must take the Plymouth High School final exam and must pass the final in order to earn credit for that course. A waiver has been obtained for the state, so that there are no time restraints as to how fast or slow a student ears course credit.
Last year 56 students attended Alternative High School at some point during the years. Twenty of those were seniors and 19 earned their diplomas.
Basic Skills (reading, writing, math, listening, speaking), Thinking Skills (creative, decision making, problem solving), and Personal Qualities (hygiene, responsibility, self-esteem), are three skill areas targeted by the SCAN Report, (The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills) from the US Department of Labor that the PAHS program teaches. Along with these skills, Searching For A Job skills are incorporated. Students earn one credit for passing "Vocational Career Information" and may also earn on credit for working minimum of 15 hours per week in an approved place of employment.
This is where community support plays an important role in preparing our Plymouth high school students for the future. Collectively, we have the capacity and know-how to ensure that our students enter the workplace with the requisite job and attitude skills to maintain a high quality of life for themselves and for the future business environment of the community.
If there are any ways that you or your company might help PAHS students especially in the searching for a job area, please contact Patricia Eaton by phone, (219) 936-7268 or e-mail, peaton@plymouth.k12.in.us.
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