U‑46 expands early college, dual‑credit and career pathways; adds dual‑credit partnerships with ECC

School District U‑46 staff told the Board of Education Friday that the district is expanding early‑college opportunities, career pathway endorsements and support programs aimed at improving post‑secondary transitions.

District presenters described the PACE (Postsecondary and Career Expectations) framework, which embeds college‑and‑career preparation activities into middle‑ and high‑school courses and advisories. The district said PACE activities are present in English, social studies, physical education and health, as well as counselor activities, AVID classes, middle‑school advisory and freshman seminar curricula.

The board heard that a Career and College Pathway Endorsement (CCPE) requires a sequence of related coursework (two years/four semesters), six hours of early‑college coursework, college readiness in math and English, career experiences and a 60‑hour internship. District staff said approved endorsements currently include precision manufacturing and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and that the district is pursuing approvals in engineering and health care science (via Project Lead The Way), welding and a new fire science partnership with Elgin Community College (ECC). In 2023–24 the district reported 22 students earned a CCPE; in the subsequent year 43 students earned endorsements (all in CNA).

Officials said the district will add new dual‑credit courses for 2026–27, including ECC criminal‑justice courses and revised automotive dual‑credit aligned to ECC’s program, along with dual‑credit offerings in academies such as introduction to videography and introduction to business. The district reported more than 150 students have earned an associate degree through the full‑time dual‑credit program with ECC since the program began, and that average course success rates remain high (district reported about 79% of students earning a B or better in dual‑credit courses).

AVID program staff said 1,795 students are enrolled in the AVID elective this year; AVID students participate in college visits and leadership opportunities. The district also reported strong IB diploma results at Elgin High School: 12 of 13 enrolled seniors earned the full diploma last year. The post‑secondary success team noted expanded summer internships (124 students participated through a partnership) and record summer high‑school attendance.

Board members asked about supports in courses with lower IB pass rates; district staff said they are working on professional development for teachers and administrators and continuing frequent school‑level meetings to monitor instruction.

District presenters asked families to attend an Explore family night and the student Explore event next week designed to introduce middle‑schoolers to pathways, magnet programs and internship partners. No board action was required; the presentation was informational.