RCS High School Graduation Pathways 

“The Pathways include a perfect combination of Work Based Learning (WBL) hands-on experience along with formal classroom instruction” - Robert Mattox, Jr., RCS High School Junior.

He is working toward earning a CTE Endorsement in the Business Administration & Entrepreneurship Pathway, as well as earning the CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) Credential.

Q: What are NYS Graduation Pathways? 

A: Per the New York State Education Department Website…

Multiple pathways recognize the importance of engaging students in rigorous and relevant academic programs.  The pathway options recognize students’ interests in the Arts, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS), Civics, Humanities, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and World Languages by allowing an approved pathway to satisfy students’ graduation requirements.

Each pathway is a little different in its educational requirements. RCS is working to expand our Pathway offering but currently, students can choose from Building Sciences Pathway, Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Pathway, or the coming soon Human Sciences Pathway (click on each title to learn more about the requirements!)

Q: What are the benefits of this Graduation Pathway?

A: Students...

  • are College and Career Ready (Technical Endorsement) 

  • have Real-life Connections with careers and the workplace

  • are provided the Opportunity for College Credit, Tuition Reduction, etc.

  • are receiving instruction from a High-Quality CTE Program

  • are eligible to participate in the CTE (4+1) Graduation Pathway

  • have a Competitive Advantage

Q: If I am interested in starting one of these pathways, where should I begin? 

A: Students interested in beginning one of these pathways should begin by talking to their High School Counselor to gain more information and reviewing their current requirement standings and future requirements. Students can also speak with Ms. Martin or Ms. Defeo to get a better idea of the program! 

Q: What is an example of the class requirements for one of the pathways? 

A: If a student completed the Building Sciences Pathway, they would need to complete these classes:

Business Content-Specific Courses

Units

Other Required Courses

Units

DDP/CADD

1.0

Career and Financial Management (CFM)

.5

Productions Systems

.5

Construction Systems I

.5

Construction Systems II

.5

GEWEP: WBL Experience in Building Science career field  

.5

Total:

3.0

Total:

.5

Total Units in this Program of Study 3.5*   

  • *College agreement from HVCC for DDP/CADD 3 credits 

  • TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED: Part I & II Written and Performance 

  • CDOS (Career Development and Occupational Studies) Commencement Credential is earned in this pathway in addition to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement

Contact Information

Maureen Martin 
CCS for Business, FACS, Library, & Technology;
NYS Certified Work Based Learning Coordinator; &
HS Special Education Teacher

mmartin@rcscsd.org
(518) 756-5200 ext. 2260

Danielle Defeo
High School CTE Business Teacher; &
NYS Certified Work Based Learning Coordinator

ddefeo@rcscsd.org 
(518) 756-5200 ext. 2027

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