Vermont § 941 - Flexible Pathways Initiative

§ 941. Flexible Pathways Initiative

• (a) There is created within the Agency a Flexible Pathways Initiative: (1) to encourage and support the creativity of school districts as they develop and expand
  high-quality educational experiences that are an integral part of secondary education
  in the evolving 21st-century classroom; (2) to promote opportunities for Vermont students to achieve postsecondary readiness through
  high-quality educational experiences that acknowledge individual goals, learning styles,
  and abilities; and (3) to increase the rates of secondary school completion and postsecondary continuation
  and retention in Vermont. (b) The Secretary shall develop, publish, and regularly update guidance, in the form of
  technical assistance, sharing of best practices and model documents, legal interpretations,
  and other support designed to assist school districts: (1) To identify and support secondary students who require additional assistance to succeed
  in school and to identify ways in which individual students would benefit from flexible
  pathways to graduation. (2) To work with every student in grade seven through grade 12 in an ongoing personalized
  learning planning process that: (A) identifies the student’s emerging abilities, aptitude, and disposition; (B) includes participation by families and other engaged adults; (C) guides decisions regarding course offerings and other high-quality educational experiences; (D) identifies career and postsecondary planning options using resources provided pursuant
  to subdivision (4) of this subsection (b); and (E) is documented by a personalized learning plan. (3) To create opportunities for secondary students to pursue flexible pathways to graduation
  that: (A) increase aspiration and encourage postsecondary continuation of training and education; (B) are an integral component of a student’s personalized learning plan; and (C) include: (i) applied or work-based learning opportunities, including career and career technical
  education and internships; (ii) virtual learning and blended learning; (iii) dual enrollment opportunities as set forth in section 944 of this title; (iv) early college programs as set forth in subsection 4011(e) of this title; and (v) [Repealed.] (vi) adult education and secondary credential opportunities as set forth in section 945 of this title. (4) To provide students, beginning not later than in grade seven, with career development
  and postsecondary planning resources to ensure that they are able to take full advantage
  of the opportunities available within the flexible pathways to graduation and to achieve
  their career and postsecondary education and training goals. Resources provided pursuant
  to this subdivision shall include information regarding the admissions process and
  requirements necessary to proceed with any and all military-related opportunities. (c) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as discouraging or limiting the authority
  of any school district to develop or continue to provide educational opportunities
  for its students that are otherwise permitted, including the provision of Advanced
  Placement courses. (d) An individual entitlement or private right of action shall not arise from creation
  of a personalized learning plan. (Added 2013, No. 77, § 1; amended 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.504.6, eff. July 1, 2024; 2025, No. 72, § 8, eff. July 1, 2025.)