The Burrell School District is working to implement new concepts to improve students’ learning experiences and better prepare them for their future careers.

Melinda Kulick, technology integration coach for the district, said educators are collaborating to learn more about computational thinking, project-based learning and other practices, including redesigning the senior year experience.

She said the district is working to remodel the curriculum for 12th graders so students can partner with companies for career paths they’re interested in.

“That way, students are getting more meaningful experiences,” she said.

Burrell aims to start the voluntary program for seniors next year, Kulick said. Participating students won’t have a traditional schedule, but they will have the “flexibility to be out and in the field, and the ability to do work they need to do on campus,” she said.

Next year’s senior class is projected to have about 130 students, Kulick said.

She also said Burrell’s Business, Computer and Information Technology Department is partnering with the district’s technology education and MakerSpace/TinkerLab to focus on computer science. The partnership will enable the district’s science department for grades 6 through 12 to merge with the state’s integrated standards for science, technology, engineering, environmental literacy and sustainability — known as STEELS.

“We’re working to prepare for when those standards go into play in 2025 (so) we’re prepared and our students are prepared,” Kulick said.

She said the development program for educators is an ongoing initiative.

Burrell also worked alongside Penn State New Kensington and its ABC Create and Digital Foundry to discuss future-ready career skills in student learning experiences.

“They’re a tremendous asset for us,” Kulick said.

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