Kingsport, Tenn. –  D-B EXCEL (DBE) announces that it now offers DBE students the Tennessee Pathways certified Communications Pathway as well as the certified STEM Pathway. The certifications come through the efforts of the school's administrative team in developing clear and guided course alignment validated through K-12, postsecondary instructions, and industry partnerships. 

 

The purpose of the pathway is to provide experiences that accelerate progress toward a postsecondary credential through certification or the accumulation of career-related skills. The goals for the Communications and STEM Pathways are based on a three-tiered mission: Increase the quality of college and career advisement; Provide rigorous postsecondary and work-based learning opportunities; Encourage a seamless vertical alignment between secondary education and these opportunities.  

 

D-B EXCEL Principal Shanna Hensley stated, "I am especially proud of what these two certifications represent. Our teachers deserve all of the credit for ensuring that a rigorous secondary curriculum aligns with the student development guaranteed within each pathway. These pathways are just another step in how early postsecondary opportunities need to be leveraged for the success of all of our students as they move past graduation. Most importantly, the validation of these pathways demonstrates how EXCEL students are continuing to utilize their education to equip and empower themselves for a more prosperous future."  

 

Within the specific competency of communications, students work with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of occupational domains. The demand for jobs within this subset is supported by the regional data collected on career growth in the areas of communications and organizational management. Through the development of mastery in the competencies of communications, students will develop knowledge in disciplines such as marketing, digital design, business management, and technical/process writing. These core areas embedded within the secondary curriculum will form a student ready to enter a growing job market within the diverse field of communications.

 

The DBE STEM Pathway is based on the idea of combining education into four specific disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Rather than teach the four areas as separate subjects, the STEM Pathway integrates these domains into a cohesive learning curriculum, integrating real-life scenarios. The purpose of the STEM Pathway is to introduce DBE students to concepts and challenges that expedite the acquisition of skills identified and reinforced by industry opportunities. Students work with the skills necessary to succeed within jobs such as computer applications, engineering, and technical work. The demand for jobs within this subset is supported by regional data collected on career growth in specific areas. Through the development of mastery in STEM competencies, students will develop a critical-awareness and inquiry-minded education that fosters success in an open job market. 

 

Community partners include: Appalachian Sustainable Development, BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter, Cumberland Marketing, Eastman, Healthy Kingsport, The Inventor Center, Keep Kingsport Beautiful, Kingsport Aquatic Center, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, Kingsport Mini Maker Faire, STREAMWORKS, Visit Kingsport, and Zion Marine.

 

The Tennessee Pathways certification committee received 415 pathways applications from 81 school districts across the state. From these applications, 122 pathways were awarded certification.  The Tennessee Pathway celebration will commence on November 7, 2019 at the LEAD Conference held in Nashville, TN. 

 

For more information on D-B EXCEL visit dbexcel.k12k.com. 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact. 

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple / Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools). 

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