Today Small Learning Communities, Tomorrow Pathways

The buzz around campus is that the district has changed what used to be Small Learning Communities (SLCs): METS, BEACH, JUSTICE, CIC, Pacrim, MEDS and PACE into what will be called Pathways. Many students go into great detail describing their displeasure with the name change. Some, on the other hand, believe it should change into just a one word phrase rather than the “confusing” term “Small Learning Communities,” making it seem like they are separate parts of the school.

When asked how about his feelings toward the change sophomore Jayden Nem in the MEDs pathway replied, “I think it’s kind of fine, but at the same time I don’t like it. They should leave it as Academies or Programs. The change is gonna be confusing considering this is like the third time they’ve changed the name. Keep it one word and it’ll be fine. I don’t really know the reason it’s being changed but it should stay as it is. Overall though, I don’t really think it matters, but it should stay one word instead of changing all the time and then them not informing the students.”

Sophomore Juan Camarena in the BEACH pathway gave his opinion on the matter saying he felt that it was unnecessary to change the name, “When I applied for Poly they asked me what academy I wanted to be in. Then later they called them Learning Communities or something [and] now they’re Pathways. I think it’s very confusing and dumb, to be honest, because they aren’t telling us when they change it, they just kinda spring it on us, as if it doesn’t affect us.”

METS counselor Charles Acosta stepped in to shed some light on the situation and clarify on why they have changed the name from Small Learning Communities (SLC) to Academies to Pathways saying, “They changed the name of the now Pathways from Small Learning Communities or SLC because the theme changed. Before, they were based off preparing for college [and] A-G courses, but now we know not everyone wants to go to college and not everyone is interested in colleges; they don’t want to be in school another four years or pay those college debts, so they changed them to Career Pathways.”

There continues to be confusion, but also indifference about the name change. Just remember whatever the name, students still come to school to get an education and socialize.