MARYSVILLE — As the teacher of the Life Skills class at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Jim Strickland is familiar with student frustration, so on Tuesday, Oct. 15, he aims to do something about it, with a program entitled “When School’s Not Working.”

“I’m working with the parent of a struggling teen and the chair of the education department at Everett Community College, to reach out to parents and teens for whom traditional schooling just isn’t working,” Strickland said. “Our goal is to share our struggles, our successes, our ideas and our experiences, to lessen the stigma of taking a different educational path. We also hope to develop a network of support for people who are in this situation.”

Among the alternate strategies for learning that Strickland suggested were apprenticeships, job shadowing and mentorships.

“We want to give kids the chance to connect with others who can relate to their experiences and provide support,” Strickland said. “You can explore new ways to learn what you really want to learn. The good news is that there are other ways, and you can find the path that’s right for you.”

To that end, Strickland hopes to hear from people who are willing to share their experiences of living, learning and working without high school diplomas.

“When School’s Not Working” will run from 6-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Alfy’s Pizza, located at 9330 State Ave. in Marysville.

Contact Strickland by phone at 425-870-1631 or via email at livedemocracy@hotmail.com to get involved or to learn more.