One91 Pathways Pre-K–8 Implementation Continues

In her State of the District speech in spring 2020, Superintendent Dr. Theresa Battle committed to rolling out the innovative and successful One91 Pathways program across all grades starting in the fall. In her plan, Dr. Battle laid out the idea of gradual immersion in Pathways language and a journey of self-discovery that leads learners to make excellent decisions about their future.

At a Jan. 21 school board meeting, the Pathways steering team — led by Kathy Funston, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Pathways and Imina Oftedhal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment — clarified implementation plans over the next three school years. 

Oftedahl noted that despite the difficulties facing the district due to the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning environments, the team has been able to stay on track.

“While the plans have been challenged, we continue to move forward with building the structures for Pathways across schools,” Oftedahl said. “We are not content to stand still — we believe in this.” 

Additionally, Oftedahl gave shape to the overall approach to PreK – 8 Pathways as younger learners become exposed to the changes. 

“The idea is that we would move from site-specific with access for some to a more inclusive, equitable model,” Oftedahl said. “We’re working to bring alignment; taking the four career fields and back-mapping them so that at every level — from PreK to eighth grade — every child can have experiences that allow them to explore careers during their learning journey.” 

In her update to the board, Funston shared exciting developments at the high school level, including the exploration of adding Criminal Justice, Cyber Security and Advanced Manufacturing Pathways.

Funston relayed the successful implementation of an Education Pathway, detailing important partnerships and academic opportunities afforded to Burnsville High School students.

“The Education Pathway is steeped in Critical Race Theory to prepare our current learners to be wonderful educators for all students,” Funston said. “We’ve worked on a full-circle plan with Normandale [Community College] to help students earn college credit during high school, finish their education at Minnesota State-Mankato, and then these students have a path back to student-teach in our district.” 

Learn how One91 Pathways shapes students’ entire learning journeys on the new One91 Pathways homepage. See program details, student stories, updated implementation plans, and more.