Pathways to Success/MCAS

Kathy Yanchus, Coordinator

978-739-5433

kyanchus@northshore.edu

Program Overview:

Pathways to Success is an MCAS transitional program developed by North Shore Community College. This program offers high school students, who received a Certificate of Completion rather than a high school diploma because they did not pass MCAS, an opportunity to enroll in a non-credit course at the community college.

 The classes provide intensive and individualized instruction in Math and/or English using skill modules based on developmental education teaching/learning strategies and MCAS standards. Students may then elect to retake the MCAS test. Career exploration, advising, academic planning tools, and student success sessions are incorporated into the classes. Classes are free and held twice a year for six weeks, two nights a week at North Shore Community College’s Lynn Campus. Each class has a teacher and a tutor and dinner is provided. Those eligible are students who::

• are members of the Class of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, or 2008
• have not passed the MCAS test
• want to learn more about career programs and services at community colleges

Benefits to students include:

• Assessment at NSCC through the Ability to Benefit examination for students who do not have a high school diploma or GED and wish to participate in the MCAS Transitional Program
• Transitional counseling by qualified community college staff offered to provide the best options for each individual
• Career exploration and development included to enhance and expand student success
• Access to college library, media center, computer labs, and adaptive technology
• Test-taking and time management skills training
• Introduction to college-level, post-secondary educational opportunities*

Best Practices:

            -Attendance in Pathways to Success and passing of the MCAS results in one free North Shore Community College course, including course fees, and a $100 book voucher.

            -All materials are provided, including calculators, dictionaries, outside readings, and modules and tests, which students can keep post-program completion.

Areas of college access it addresses:

            Academic Readiness—Intensive MCAS preparation in math and English helps students pass the MCAS examination and continue their education.

            College Information Awareness—Classes take place at a college campus and expose students to a college environment and college faculty.

*Language taken from Pathways to Success materials