With the reported success of the first cooperative Mechatronics class with Pana High School, plans are in motion to expand the program for the 2009-2010 school year.

“All seven Shelbyville High School students have successfully completed the program and are eligible for summer positions at International Paper. One student has been accepted,” Shelbyville High School Principal Kevin Ross told the school board at the recent meeting.

The Mechatronics class was held during the spring semester at the former Tower Hill High School building under the direction of Greg Reynolds and Steve Bonzer and Lake Land College. Seven Shelbyville and seven Pana students participated in the class, which includes 12 specialized workstations, job shadowing, and a portfolio.

“I’m absolutely very proud of the students we had in the program. They have done an outstanding job,” said instructor Greg Reynolds.

The students are required to complete a work ethics class prior to taking the Mechatronics class.

“Some students have found they are right on course on their chosen career path. Some are looking at different careers,” Reynolds said.

Ross added that the students now see the value of math and science before they get into the class.

“The more we can link the real world to academics, the more they’ll get into what they’re doing,” Ross said.

In an effort to improve the program, Ross and Reynolds outlined the plans for the career readiness/work ethics class in the 2009-2010 school year which include:

- Pilot 8th grade Career/Work Ethics Class

- Move the High School course to the Junior level

- Use the High School course as a prerequisite to the Mentoring, Coop, and other Authentic Learning Experiences.

To improve the Mechatronics program, Ross and Reynolds plan to:

- Expand the program to one year long.

- Include a job shadow at IP and another local industry.