College and career academies transform the traditional high school model to prepare all students for careers by linking academic subjects to career themes. Students and teachers use experiential learning to make lessons come alive. Different pathways designed and supported by educators, business representatives and post-secondary partners are created to introduce students to a variety of college and career options. Click here to learn more.
What are the Academies of Greater Clark?
College and career academies transform the traditional high school model to prepare all students for careers by linking academic subjects to career themes. Students and teachers use experiential learning to make lessons come alive. Different pathways designed and supported by educators, business representatives and post-secondary partners are created to introduce students to a variety of college and career options.
How will the Academies of Greater Clark work?
Students will take required courses in their academy for the majority of their school day while still being able to select courses in other areas of interest.
In 9th grade, students will enter the Freshman Academy. This yearlong introduction to the Academies of Greater Clark provides students with the skills they need to transition to high school while allowing time to explore career interests and opportunities. Students will then select an Academy for their sophomore through senior years.
The majority of their school day will be spent with their Academy Cohort – a small group of students and teachers who remain together through sophomore, junior and seniors year. Classes will consist of core subjects like Math, English, Social Studies and Science, as well as classes that directly relate to a student’s Academy. Students will also have room in their schedule for electives such as art, music, and world languages. It won’t be uncommon for students to spend part of their school day outside the school building by taking a field trip, participating in an internship, doing job shadowing, or any number of other experiences students can’t receive in the classroom.
Students may move academies one time if they find their career aspirations lie in a different academy.
Can students change Academies?
Our goal is to have students never feel “stuck” in their Academy.
During the yearlong Freshman Academy, students spent time learning about each of the four Academies to make informed decisions. Students who believe they are in the wrong Academy or find out that their passion lies in another Academy will have the opportunity to adjust.
The district’s administration and high school leadership team is working on finalizing details like: the number of times a student can switch academies, when they can switch academies, etc.
What is Ford Next Generation Learning?
Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) is the philanthropic non-profit arm of Ford Motor Company.
Ford NGL has helped districts over the past 20 years successfully transform their high schools from outdated “sit and get” classrooms to immersive learning environments.
Ford NGL will help Greater Clark County Schools learn from the experiences of other districts and give us access to many resources, including:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Staff Development
- A Proven Planning Process
- Professional Development
What is the Ford Next Generation Learning Framework?
The Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) Framework is a three strand approach to transforming education.
Ford NGL mobilizes educators, local employers, and community leaders to prepare a new generation of young people who will graduate from high school ready for college, careers, and life – prepared for success in our modern economy.
Three distinct, but interconnected strands comprise the Ford NGL Framework.
These strands enable whole communities to design and carry out a long-term plan for revitalizing and revolutionizing education.
TRANSFORMING TEACHING & LEARNING
Creating meaningful learning experiences that enable students to learn and apply academic, 21st century, and technical knowledge & skills to real-world challenges.
TRANSFORMING THE SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
Maintaining career and interest-based academies, collaborative cultures, structures, and practices.
TRANSFORMING BUSINESS & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Engaging educators, local employers, and community leaders in building then sustaining a transformed secondary school experience.
What is the Freshman Academy?
The Freshman Academy provides additional time to explore courses offered by the four academies.
This yearlong introduction to the academy system provides students with the skills they need to transition to high school while allowing time to explore career interests and opportunities. Ninth-grade students will spend time discovering career opportunities and their own unique interests before choosing a home academy for their sophomore through senior years.
Why the Academic Model?
The goal of The Academies of Greater Clark is to strengthen the connection between high school and post-secondary opportunities.
By enabling students to explore areas of interest, find their passion, and develop 21st century skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration) The Academies of Greater Clark empowers students and prepares them for life outside our academies.
The Academies of Greater Clark align with projected employment needs in our region based upon research with existing area employers.
