About 8 out of 10 college students change their majors at least once, but the average is more like three times throughout one’s entire college career according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There are a number of factors in why a student may change courses: the time it will take to graduate, pressure from family members, job outlooks, level of difficulty and more. While students do not go into college anticipating their major will change, students believe it is reassuring to know they had opportunities in high school to explore career paths up close and personal.
“This pathway class has helped me figure out what I want to do once I get into college,” Corydon Central High School senior Kylie Mathes said. “By being around an internship where I can go and be with the different grade levels helps me figure out what I want to do by being with both the little kids and the teenagers.”
Kylie said having in-class instruction time is helpful because she sees textbook examples of what they’re discussing when helping at the elementary school during her internship time and feels equipped to correct students the right way.
Amanda Atkins is the primary education pathway instructor and said since the program’s inception a few years ago, there are approximately 90 students enrolled. Recently, Amanda announced students can now receive a micro-credential of “Special Topics in Education” through Indiana University Southeast. Students are required to participate in a three-part lecture series taught by IUS professors. This credential address topics such as bullying, classroom management, teaching styles, supporting students in crisis, and more.
Stay tuned to learn more about South Harrison Community School Corporation’s education pathway and others offered by the district.