SMALLER LEARNING COMMUNITIES (SLC)

Los Lunas High School and Valencia High School have implemented Smaller Learning Communities.  After surveying students, parents, and faculty we have developed Smaller Learning Communities featuring a choice of career pathways for our students.  Students at these high schools will spend their days in classes that assist them in developing post-secondary goals that prepare them for their future. 

A Smaller Learning Community (SLC) is built around a career theme.  It will be comprised of a group of students with similar interests.  It is staffed with teams of teachers who will connect core academic subjects to careers by integrating their curricula.  Students will choose a career pathway in 10th grade and complete a series of courses throughout each grade level leading to graduation.  Students’ transcripts will reflect a course taking pattern leading to post secondary education after high school.

Career Pathways are designed to organize students around career interests or goals.  The careers are general and include all aspects of a given industry or “cluster.”  For example, in a health focused pathway students would explore careers ranging from certified nursing assistant to neurologist.  Pathways revolve around a multi-year progression of a career-oriented courses and activities that are open to all students.