Expanding opportunities and providing the best possible education for students has been at the forefront of all of Questar III’s decisions regarding our educational programs. For this reason, we’ve moved several special education programs beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.
The biggest move has been to create a new Academy program located at the Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy. Currently home to 12 different Career and Technical Education and Career Studies programs, the Academy at REC now houses an additional 22 students in four classrooms. These classes used to be located at Rensselaer Academy (RA), but were moved to allow several classes from George Washington School to relocate to RA. This provided more open space at GWS and RA to better meet the needs of those students, as well as affording new opportunities for students at the Academy at REC.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance and strengthen our programs. Moving these classes has resulted in so much more for students at George Washington, Rensselaer Academy and especially the new Academy at REC,” said Director of Special Education Robin Sobol.
Perhaps the greatest opportunity for students at the Academy at REC is the increased availability of career training. Because the new Academy hosts students in grades 9-12, students in 11th and 12th grade are eligible to participate in CTE or Career Studies programs that are a good match for their interest and ability. Students in grades 9 and 10 are able to explore what is available to them when they reach their Junior and Senior year.
Director of Career and Technical Education Danielle Bouton-Wales says this is a great chance to give students useful experiences that help to prepare them for life after high school.
“It’s really about more opportunities for all students. It gives CTE students the experience working with a diverse population and an engaged audience which is really a simulation of the real world. You won’t always be working in a kitchen with 15 other chefs,” said Bouton-Wales.
