Academies: Moving from Good to Great

In order to take the next step from good to great, Round Rock ISD is transforming its high schools into smaller learning communities using a career academy structure. High School Academies

Presentation Overview Components of an AcademyRRISD Academy JourneyAcademy NamesUnique Academies and ProgramsTransfer Facts

Three Components to an Academy Smaller Learning Community comprising of groups of students who take classes together, taught by a team of teachers from various subjects College Prep, Career- Related Instruction allows students to see connection between what is taught in school and how it is used in the field of work Partnerships with Employers, Community and Higher Education to bring outside resources into the high school to help motivate students

RRISD Academies Coherent sequence of courses Tech Prep and dual credit Partnerships Enrichment activities Career and Technical Student Organizations involvement Where we have been….

RRISD Academies Core academics in the context of careers Curriculum integration Academic teaming Smaller learning communities Connect careers to academics making learning more relevant Engages students in real work experiences Where we are going…..

RRISD Academies Academic rigor through real world problem based experiences Motivates students to stay in school Engages business and industry in the classroom Ensures relationships, relevance, and rigor Engages students in courses and experiences based on their interests Where we are going…..

RRISD Academies Learners in the 21 st Century have different needs and learn differently than learners of twenty or more years ago Maximizing student engagement will properly prepare more students for college and the 21 st century workforce Research states that the #1 reason students disengage in school is because what they are learning is not always relevant to the student Why we are going…..

RRISD Academies Academies allow more personalization of the high school experience Academies foster forward thinking in viewing graduation as a beginning, not an end Academies allow the customization of instruction toward the interests of students, increasing the relevance of the experience Why we are going…..

Academies bring together TEKS, Student Interests and Businesses & Colleges TEKS Texas Essential Skills & Knowledge Businesses & Colleges Student Interests

Academy Names The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics The Academy of International Business and Economics The Academy of Professional Studies The Academy of Health Science The Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Academy Names

Primary Academies All Round Rock ISD high schools will be uniform in that they possess the following academies: The Academy of Professional Studies The Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics The Academy of International Business and Economics

Cedar Ridge HS Academy of Visual and Performing Arts Culinary ArtsEducation Law Enforcement McNeil HS Academy of Health Science Agriculture Science Automotive Technology Round Rock HS Automotive Technology Culinary ArtsEducation Law Enforcement Stony Point HS Academy of Health Science Agriculture Science International Baccalaureate Programme Westwood HS Academy of Visual and Performing Arts International Baccalaureate Programme Unique Academies and Programs

Academy Student Transition Plan Academy Student Transition Plan Current high school students will have the opportunity to sign up for any of the Academy classes offered at their home campus Home campus is based on the boundaries in which the student resides with a parent/guardian th Grade Students Students are required to apply for the IB Programme Spring of 8 th grade All students will enter the 9th Grade Program in th grade students who did not select an Academy in 8 th grade will select an Academy Spring of 2011 Academy selection can change if student interests change

What remains the same? Students are enrolled in required core courses and meet state graduation requirements Students have the opportunity to explore career interests prior to selecting an Academy Students have a well-rounded high school experience Students are able to participate in extra-curricular activities Students continue to be engaged in rigorous curriculum and instruction

Transfer Facts Academy transfer requests are allowed the second semester of the students 8 th grade year or second semester of the 9 th grade year for students electing to attend a unique Academy or Program Students requesting academy transfers during their 9 th grade year or their 8 th grade year are not eligible for varsity competition until their junior year (pending policy regulation change) Students must apply for the IB Programme during the Spring of their 8 th grade year

Transfer Facts Transfer forms must be turned in or postmarked by February 28 to your home campus principal with the exception of Cedar Ridge HS students. All transfers to or from Cedar Ridge HS must be returned to the Round Rock ISD Administration Building Transportation is not provided for transfer students Students who are to attend Cedar Ridge HS next year may not use transfer options unless they selected and completed required paperwork for a unique academy or program prior to April 7, 2009

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