1. Communications Academy Design & Production Performance & Publication

2. Why? ► Increase rigor and relevance of electives ► Address need for work readiness ► Recognition for passion in subject area  Recognize depth of study in focus area  Senior Awards Night, Graduation & Transcripts ► Increase enrollment of juniors and seniors  Motivation to continue intellectual growth  Replace TA, study hall and not enrolled status ► Increase student achievement (GPA)

3. The Basics ► Join the academy ► Choose a strand (area of focus)  Design & Production  Performance & Publication ► Take a series of classes in the strand ► Pass classes with an A or B ► Participate in special activities ► Write a reflection during senior year ► Earn FTHS recognition  Senior Awards Night  Graduation  Transcripts

4. Application Process ► Attend a General Interest Meeting ► Review materials & presentation online online ► Complete Statement of Intent (online) ► Turn in Statement of Intent (mentor) ► Attend a Strand Meeting as assigned ► Start academic planning with an academy mentor

5. Academic Planning ► Create a 4-year plan  Graduation requirements met  A-G requirements met  Identify available space for academy courses  Class may fulfill all 3 of the above (e.g., Art 1) ► Choose a certificate level  Certificate: 60-65 credits  Merit: 70-85 credits  Distinction: 90+ credits

6. Design & Production Sample ► Grade 9  English  Algebra 1  Biology  Health/Geography  PE  Tech Lit 1 (base)  Art 1 (base) ► Grade 10  English  Geometry  Chemistry  World History  ISPE  Art 2  Spanish 1 ► Grade 11  English  Algebra 2  US History  Spanish 2  Digital Art and Design  Web Design ► Grade 12  English  Government/Economics  VisCom  Digital Publications A-G Requirements A- 2 yrs social science B- 4 yrs English C- 3 yrs math D- 2 yrs lab science E- 2 yrs foreign language F- 1 yr fine arts G-1 yr approved elective Grad Requirements 4 yrs social science 4 yrs English 3 yrs math 2 yrs science 2 yrs PE 1 yr fine arts 1 yr applied arts 6 yrs electives 230 credits needed This student has room for 4 additional classes…not counting VC opportunities

7. Getting Started ► Choose an area of focus (strand)  Design & Production  Performance & Publication ► Register for a strand class (or two) ► Earn an A or B in both semesters

8. Strand Coursework ► Identify target strand courses  Based on your interests  Use registration guide and planning forms ► Plug into your 4-year plan  Verify that you have minimum # of credits ► Enroll in strand courses ► Earn an A or B every semester in strand ► Only 10 credits of Cs will be accepted

9. Academic Requirements ► 3.0 GPA in applicable strand coursework ► Only 10 credits of Cs may be included ► If you earn a third C…  Repeat semester for better grade OR  Replace grade with a more recent course in which you earned an A or B ► 10 credits max. may be completed at (BHS, VHS) ► 10 credits max. may be completed at (VC) ► 2.0 GPA in all enrolled FTHS coursework

10. Additional Requirements ► Portfolio work or evidence of certification  Examples from every strand course  Collected each quarter as applicable ► Competitions, certifications or public shows  Authentic assessment  Depends on course  Required once per course  Applications available via course instructor ► Experiences  Relevant to possible career(s)  Field trips, guest speakers, job shadow, intern

11. Completing Certificate ► Met academic requirements ► Completed applicable coursework ► Participated in additional activities ► Completed written/portfolio “Reflection”  Attend series of workshops in FIRE ► Set up template & create outline ► Write rough draft ► Peer review and revision