Sen. Vidak visits high schools
Building knowledge about Pathways programs
State Senator Andy Vidak spent Monday taking an educational tour of some of Porterville’s high schools, and was so impressed after seeing the innovative ways that students learn in modern classrooms, he wished he could turn back the clock and experience it himself.
“I wish I could come back to school now,” said Sen. Vidak (Rhanford).
Accompanied by Assistant Superintendent Cindy Brown and PUSD board member Pete Lara, Vidak visited Granite Hills High School, Harmony Magnet Academy and Strathmore High School to see their respective Pathways in action, and learn firsthand from educators and students how the educational model is revolutionizing how students are preparing for life after high school.
When he visited Granite Hills, Vidak learned about the school’s Pathways, and engaged in a lively question-and-answer session with students from the Law, Justice and Ethics pathway about current topics in law and politics.
Next, Vidak visited Harmony Magnet Academy, where Principal Jeff Brown led the senator on a tour of career and technical education concepts being taught as part of the school’s engineering and performing arts pathways. He saw projects students created using 3D printers in the engineering lab, and visited a state-of-the-art music classroom where keyboard students use the latest composition software to first learn, and then write their own music.
After visiting Harmony, the senator visited Strathmore High School to observe how students in the Emerging Agricultural Technology pathway apply the technical concepts learned in the classroom on their campus farm.
Vidak, whose father Jim Vidak is the long-time Tulare County Superintendent of Schools, has an established family connection with education in the Central Valley, and the PUSD administrators were enthusiastic about the opportunity to showcase their programs to a legislator who recognizes their importance.
“I think when people learn, particularly politicians, what the [educational
experience] can be like, you have a voice for change and reform, because it can work,” said Principal Brown.
Overall, Vidak seemed genuinely impressed
with PUSD’S Pathways program and its focus on making students college and world ready.
“It’s awesome to see how every piece builds on each other,” said Sen. Vidak.