ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As school wraps up for the year, Kim Cristal is getting ready for a busy summer. She’ll be working with teachers at Irondequoit High School creating lesson plans based on new a pilot program. 

The pilot program comes from the New York State Education Department. The performance-based learning assessment networks plan will work with educators, teaching them how to use real-world situations in the classroom. 

“It's going to provide students with opportunities to sharpen their life skills that we know are so important in the workforce and college. [Things like] collaborate with peers, taking on responsibilities and learning how to manage time," said Cristal. 

Irondequoit is one of 23 schools across the state participating. Schools were selected to represent the state’s different regions and student populations. Each school will use the performance-based learning plan in different subjects. Irondequoit is focusing on their ninth-grade social studies class. 

“Adults say I hated social studies but I love it now," said Cristal. "The biggest difference is that when you're an adult you're investigating, drawing conclusions and asking questions. Those are the kinds of experiences embedded in inquiry-based instruction."

The new performance-based curriculum is a balance between traditional lessons and opportunities for students to engage with each other on projects. Cristal believes it's a step away from leaning too heavily on standardized tests. 

Data on the pilot program will be collected throughout the next school year.