The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is launching a performance-based learning and assessment networks (PLAN) Pilot program to 23 school districts in the state. The Stanley G. Falk School Rossler campus was selected as a PLAN Pilot school and is the only special education school in the state that was chosen.
“We are fortunate to have a voice at the table,” emphasized Rachael Greene, Superintendent at the Falk School. “We are excited to collaborate with NYSED and learn from each other throughout this process.”
The PLAN Pilot is part of an initiative to approach graduation requirements differently by exploring performance-based assessments rather than just the traditional written exams. Falk-Rossler will be implementing the career and technical education model, which emphasizes a work-based learning method and prepares students for success in the workplace.
“The work-based learning approach gives us an opportunity to partner with local businesses and provide mentorship for our students,” explained Ms. Greene. “About half of our graduating seniors are headed into the workforce or vocational training. This program will allow us to spend more time developing career-readiness students need to be successful.”
NYSED’s shift in adjusting the curriculum is the first step in improving school culture to better prepare all students for college, career and civic pathways after graduation. All 23 schools selected for the PLAN Pilot program will receive ample resources, including a network of mentor schools who have adopted similar models and have had success.
“In the past, if a student didn’t pass the required Regents exam, they may not graduate high school,” stated Ms. Greene. “The career and technical education model allows students to be flexible and focus on their skillset without the added pressure of studying to pass an exam.”
Although, the current graduation requirements and assessments will still be in place at the start of the program, educators will have a rough idea of what performance-based learning will look like for their students. The PLAN Pilot program is slated to start at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.
“Being a part of the PLAN pilot program will open the door for new partnerships with local businesses and potential employment opportunities for our graduating students,” said Ms. Greene. “It will be a challenge at first, but we are determined to do what’s best for our students and represent the special education population statewide.”