Smaller Learning Communities Snapshot

Academy Parent Meeting, January 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Attention Grade 9 Parents

Please join us for an informational parent meeting on

Monday, January 9, 2012

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Kapa'a High School Cafeteria

Come learn about Smaller Learning Communities and Registration for 2012-2013!

See you there!

Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we doing Academies at Kapa’a High School?

Academies allow us to assign students to smaller groups of teachers so that teachers can get to know your child better. We believe students are ready to start focusing their talents and interests and to consider how those might play out in your education and work life after high school. Academies give students a head start. We are confident that the Academy experience will help students feel more connected to their peers, teachers and school and that they will do better in school as a result. Schools with Academies report better attendance, higher grades, and higher graduation and college going rates.

What if my child doesn’t like either of the Academies or any of the Strands?

We tried to create Academies based on our most popular programs but we also have some new programs that reflect the future of Kaua’i’s economy. We couldn’t create too many programs or we wouldn’t have enough students in each one. We tried to make sure that all sorts of students with all sorts of interests could find something they were at least a little bit interested in. If they really can’t find anything, we hope they will try something different. Who knows? They might enjoy something new!

How will my child be placed in an academy?

The curriculum coordinator and counselor will introduce students to the two Academies. Students will take career interest surveys and have the opportunity to visit academy/strand classes. Students will then rank their Academy/strand preferences, develop a compelling written argument for their choices and be placed accordingly. Every effort will be made to balance the two academies with regards to the overall number of students, gender, ethnic background and academic ability. Students will be placed in Academies first and then complete the registration forms for their particular academy.

Can students switch academies? Can they switch strands?

We hope to do an excellent job of preparing students to make a solid Academy/Strand choice. Once you are placed, there will be no switching of academies for 2012-2013. If there is room in a different strand within their academy at the time of request, a strand change may be possible. Students can switch academy for 11^th grade provided there is space in the academy and they can still complete the course sequencing for the new strand in the other academy.

What if my child doesn’t know what he/she wants be or do after high school?

We know many students will end up focusing on or working in different areas after high school. Academies aren’t like majors. They are just a series of 3-4 classes in one area over the next three years in an area that interests them now so that their classes are more interesting and they can learn about possible jobs in that area. All students will still take all the regular English, Math, Science, Social Studies classes and electives – their classes will just integrate some of the Academy themes so it’s hopefully more interesting. Students will be prepared to study & pursue whatever you like after high school.

Who can help my child make a good choice?

Ms. Christensen, Ms. Pemberton, your child’s teachers and/or any other adult they feel comfortable talking to on campus will be able to help. The Academy coordinators are also good people to talk to (Mr. Costa, Ms. Quinones, Ms. Schwarze, Ms Kitamura). Try to discourage your child from making their decision based on what their friends are taking unless they have similar interests.

Can my child still take honors and AP courses? What about foreign language, arts classes and JROTC?

Yes, honors classes will be offered in and/or for both academies. Students from both academies can sign up for elective classes such as foreign language, arts, music, JROTC, physical education, etc. For some classes, students in specific strands will have preference.

How can I learn more about Academies at Kapa’a High School?

You can learn more by visiting the Kapa’a High SLC Blog via our main web site or at and/or by contacting the Grade 9 counselor Ms. Terri Christensen at ext. 133 or our SLC Coordinator, Lisa Mireles at ext 232. You can also attend a parent meeting on January 9, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in our cafeteria!

Kapa'a High Academy Overview and Timeline for Students

Kapa'a High is proud to announce that next year, all 10^th grade students will be placed in one of two Academies. What this means is that students will take all core subject classes with other students in their Academy. Students will also pick a strand to specialize in within their Academy and take at least one class a year related to that strand. In 10^th grade this will be the CTE core class that matches their strand.

The HOPES academy focuses on developing a conscious, healthy and sustainable culture through human connections. The students who are a part of the HOPES Academy will discover their place in our community and the global society by participating in authentic learning experiences that include community and college partnerships.

Students who are part of this academy strand will learn…
Health Services	to help people maintain their health and wellness. They will be taught the skills necessary to deliver quality health care for a better future. Health Services Core
Organic Farming & Environmental Studies	to provide and cultivate products that integrate natural systems with human needs . Natural Resources Core
Public Services: Hospitality & Culinary	the knowledge and skills necessary to strive in a hospitality or culinary career. They will gain interpersonal skills essential to working with and helping people. Public Service Core
Education & Leadership	the skills and qualities to be an effective leader in a classroom or in the greater community. Public Service Core

The IDEAS academy will be dedicated to developing students who possess a rich academic foundation while sharing a deep understanding of creativity & design principles as they relate to creating innovative and sustainable products that solve some of our biggest global challenges. Students in the IDEAS academy will also learn important foundational employment skills.

Students who are part of this academy strand will learn…
Industrial Technology: Building/Construction & Auto	to use new and emerging technology in the fields of Building/ Construction or Auto to design structures and devices. Students will also learn to design and build solutions for growing communities. IET Core
Digital Media & the Arts	to express their ideas and stories using technology, traditional art mediums and/or music. Students will also learn to create and communicate messages through sight and sound. Arts & Communication Core
Engineering	to employ mathematical and scientific principles to develop effective solutions to real-world, technical problems. Students will also learn to design and build solutions for growing communities. IET Core
Adventures in Business	to manage financial systems that drive the global economy. They will also use learn to use organized systems to solve problems & develop entrepreneurial skills. Business Core

We have designed a few activities & steps to help students in making an Academy Selection:

Jan 4^th & 5^th Personality & Interest Surveys in Science Classes

Jan 6^th Academy/Strand Mini Fair (Lower Campus, Lunch)/Assembly (Gym, 5^th period)

January 9^th Parent Meeting re: Academies (Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m.)

Jan 10^th & 11^th Academy Class Visits

January 12^th Academy Selection Session in Science Classes

January 13^th Signed Academy Selection forms due

January 23 Academy Placements Announced/Registration Session

January 27^th Signed Registration Forms Due

HOPES and IDEAS: Charting a New Course at Kapa'a High School

This year Kapa'a High School began implementing a new structure in our Grade 9 as part of our Smaller Learning Community Initiative. We are excited to announce that starting with the 10th graders in August 2012, Kapa’a High School will be organized into two Smaller Learning Communities, HOPES and IDEAS for students in Grades 10-12, Regardless of which SLC they choose, students will work on a rigorous curriculum in both core and elective classes to fulfill college & career entrance requirements. Academy teachers will develop units of study aligned with the academy goals/themes to improve student engagement, build deeper critical thinking skills and develop stronger academic performance skills.

What are “academies”?

● A small learning community, comprising a group of students within the larger high school who take several classes together for three years, taught by a team of teachers from different disciplines who share common students and planning time;

● A college preparatory curriculum with a career theme, enabling students to see relationships among academic subjects and their application to a broad field of work; and

● Partnerships with employers, the community, and local colleges, bringing together resources from outside the high school to improve student motivation and achievement.

What is the focus of each academy?

Although both academies have similar outcomes in terms of academic rigor, internships and senior projects, the content focus of each is slightly different. Both academies will emphasize service and sustainability. Our HOPES academy will be dedicated to developing students who possess a rich academic foundation while sharing a deep understanding of how to work with others to create healthier and more sustainable communities from the perspective of health, food, public service and education. Students in the HOPES academy will be able to choose from specialty strands in the areas of:

• Health & Wellness
• Organic Farming & Environmental Studies
• Public Service: Hospitality and Culinary Arts.
• Education & Leadership
• Service & Sustainability

Our IDEAS academy will be dedicated to developing students who possess a rich academic foundation while sharing a deep understanding of creativity & design principles as they relate to creating innovative and sustainable products that solve some of our biggest global challenges from the perspectives of building/construction, graphic design, business and the arts. Students in the IDEAS academy will be able to choose from specialty strands in:

• Industrial Technology: Building/Construction or Auto
• Design: Digital Media/Graphic Arts
• Engineering
• Arts: Visual and/or Performing Arts
• Service & Sustainability.

What is the difference between an academy and a specialty strand?

Students in an academy will take most of their core academic courses with students from all four strands in their academy. However, they will take 1 or 2 strand specific classes each year primarily with students only in their strand.

How will my child be guided to select an academy?

During 9th grade, the counselor will introduce students to the two Academies. Students will take career interest surveys and have the opportunity to visit academy/strand classes. Students will then rank their top three strand preferences, develop a compelling written argument for their choices and be placed accordingly.

Can students switch academies? Can they switch strands?

We hope to do an excellent job of preparing students to make a solid Academy/Strand choice. However, a student will be able to switch strand and/or academy one time during high school as long as they can still complete a strand within the academy.

Will my child be prepared for careers and college regardless of Academy choice?

Absolutely - both academies have the same learner outcomes and exit criteria. The projects and evidence each academy requires for completion are very similar. For example, students in both academies will need to complete an internship, a community service project, a personal transition plan and a senior project. Ensuring students are prepared for both the world of work and the world of college is a top priority for both academies. Students in both academies will be able to take AP and Honors classes.

Why academies at Kapa’a High School?

Research confirms that smaller schools are safer and more productive because students feel less alienated, more nurtured and more connected to caring adults*. It is also clear that SLC’s encourage:

• Higher scholastic achievement
• Reduction of the negative effects of poverty on achievement
• Increased student affiliation with their school and community
• Greater safety and order
• Higher college entrance exam scores, acceptance rates, and GPAs
• Higher levels of extracurricular student participation
• Higher levels of parent and community involvement and greater satisfaction**

* Source: Cotton, K. New Small Learning Communities: Findings from Recent Literature. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. December 2001

** Sources: Fowler & Walberg, 1991; Gregory, 1992; Stockard & Mayberry, 1992

WET CEMENT: AN OVERVIEW OF OUR SLC STRUCTURE

The KHS Academy Design Team has been hard at work this first quarter planning for the integration of Academies in Grades 10-12 over the next few years. Working with both Mike Neubig and Michelle Swanson to crystallize our vision has been challenging but inspiring. We are excited to present what the overall structure will be with our two academies, HOPES and IDEAS that build upon the skills and knowledge our students will gain in Grade 9 from their Hui experiences. Across the board we are committed to helping our students have meaningful options aligned with their interests and strengths upon graduation. The image above outlines the progression of students from Grade 9-12 highlighting their pathway options as the move through our school. The plan will be explained to Grade 9 students and parents over the next several months to ensure appropriate academy selection. Look for more news soon!

Glimmers of Hope

Today our 9th grade Hui teachers were treated to a day long workshop with SLC expert Michelle Swanson. Michelle is full of "treasures" when it comes to strengthening teams. She stretches us to consider how we can become more intentional with our work particularly when it comes to student support and deep learning. We spent time discussing high yield strategies, were introduced to the concept of performance assessments to promote deep learning, and considered more systemic approaches to student support.

The morning started with Michelle asking us to stop and reflect about our progress after one quarter of SLC implementation in Grade 9. Although we have had some glitches and challenges, overall we definitely feel we are on the right path as evidenced by the "Glimmers of Hope" our 9th grade teachers shared today. So far we have experienced/noticed the following, "Glimmers of Hope"

• Great support/collaboration within and across the Hui
• Greater support working with other teachers in the Hui
• Our 6th period is a wonderful example of positive classroom culture/community.
• Good collaboration among the 4 English teachers in 9th grade. This has led to more focused planning and effective lessons/units
• Establishing relationships with individual students
• Kids are not slipping through the cracks like they used to thanks to a grade level counselor and ongoing Hui teacher discussions
• Most of our students are eager to learn!!
• I love our students! They have such great personalities and senses of humor!
• Students seem more conscious of their grades - ENGRADE is wonderful
• Seems like learning styles are being addressed.
• We are using technology for learning such as mobile devices
• Interactive Notebooks Rock!
• Students are enjoying the labs and seem to be learning the scientific method.
• Team teaching is decreasing negative student behaviors
• Collaboration and Ohana are found in our Hui.
• Majority of students come to class
• Truancy, Referrals and Fights are all down in the 9th grade.
• We had over 100 parents at 9th grade orientation.
• The Freshmen have been seen. (by the counselor)

This simple exercise, reminded all of us as to WHY we embarked on the SLC journey in the first place. As we work towards expanding the SLC model into Grades 10-12 in the form of academies, it seemed important to share our learnings/reflections with the greater school community so that teachers, parents and students can all understand the potential of common students, common teacher and common planning!

Building Dreams - Academy & Hui Updates

This year our overall theme as a faculty is "Building Dreams". Our dream is to transform Kapa'a High into the premier high school in the state by implementing smaller learning communities in the form of interest based Academies to build upon the strength of the Hui smaller learning communities in Grade 9. School started the first week of August, it's already mid-quarter and already we are seeing the fruits of the 9th grade Hui and charging ahead with Academy Planning.

Hui

We can already see that last year's planning to improve the transition to high school and the entire freshman experience is paying off. Our 260 freshman have been moved down to lower campus and divided into two Hui, Onipa'a and Ikaika, each with a team of dedicated math, English, social studies and science teachers. A counselor has been dedicated to Grade 9 with a VP assigned to each Hui. Hui Teachers have common planning time to discuss student challenges, progress, joint projects and other aspects of their work. So far we have integrated common assessments, project based learning, a no zero policy and AVID strategies focusing on strengthening basic organizational and study skills. Additionally, all of the 9th graders will participate in the Leadership Challenge curriculum designed to help them explore their values, interests and strengths. This work will become part of their Personal Transition Plan designed to help them transition from high school to their post high school educational and career plans more smoothly.

Academy

Since we already see the benefits of the Hui concept in terms of our ability to respond to student needs, there is a sense of urgency to create smaller learning communities for our 10th - 12th grade students to improve rigor, interest and overall achievement. Our Academy Design Team this year includes all of our department chairs, an additional representative from each department, various support staff and administrators. All in all, we are about 20 people with a shared dream. We recently spent a second collaboration day with Mike Neubig refining our HOPES and IDEAS Academies with course sequencing for the four strands in each academy.

HOPES

Health- Health/Wellness

Organic Farming– Natural Resource /Agriculture

Public Service - JROTC

Entrepreneurship – Culinary & Hospitality

Service & Sustainability - ALL

IDEAS

Industrial Technology: Auto or Building Construction

Design: Digital Media & Graphic Design

Entrepreneurship: Virtual Enterprise

Arts: Visual & Performing Arts

Service & Sustainability - ALL

Our next steps will be to present to our entire faculty, address our burning questions with Mike Neubig on September 13th, examine different schedules that might better serve our students with these new structures, educate and engage our parent community in September and October, educate and straw poll our students, create new registration materials, reach out to university, business and government partners and train our teachers for this transition. Our plans are to launch the SLC's for our current 9th graders in Fall 2012. Our dream is that by Fall 2014, every student will be enrolled in a smaller learning community providing structures and support for a more rigorous, more personalized, more relevant and more successful high school experience.

SLC Scheduling - New Insights!

From our research into SLC Best Practices, we have come to understand that one of the biggest challenges schools face when implementing Smaller Learning Communities is scheduling. Traditionally schedules tend to be built more around teacher preferences for courses and prep periods rather than around principles related to quality programming. Recently, key members of the Academy Design Team and the Administration team spent the day with Mike Neubig, widely regarded as smartest SLC scheduling guy around. Mike helped us understand that there are three principles we should prioritize as we move forward in our planning.

COMMON TEACHERS

COMMON STUDENTS

COMMON PLANNING TIME

We were glad to learn that we are on the right track with our design thinking! Focusing on the above three principles will help us ensure that teachers work together to INTEGRATE curriculum and to SUPPORT groups of students. We spent time planning out course sequencing for potential SLC's and discussing optimal scheduling and staffing models. As we went through the day, we had some other KEY insights and recommendations from Mike.

1. A 7 period schedule is key. Mike recommended a 5 on 7 schedule with first period meeting daily, all classes meeting on Monday and three periods (2,4,6 and 3,5,7) meeting on alternating days Tuesday - Friday.
2. For our school size, we should have two umbrella academies with 4 or 5 SLC course sequencing options in each. The 10th graders should be in the academies.
3. We should think of courses in one of three groupings. They are tagged as either a. SLC Pure (only for SLC students) b. SLC recommended (recommended for SLC but others can take) or c. Global Classes (anyone can take).
4. Teachers should be dedicated to the 9th grade teaching teams or to one of the umbrella academies. This will make it easier to schedule both students and teachers.
5. We should avoid halfway implementation - no piloting or having half of our students in academies and the other half not in academies.

Mike will be back to work with us on August 24th and to present these ideas to our entire staff. Before he returns, our Academy Design Team will be reviewing and refining the work we completed on June 21st with Mike with specific focus on course sequencing for each SLC.

Probably the most important thing we learned is that we need to stick to our vision and avoid caving in to special interests that go against the priorities mentioned above. We need to focus on: COMMON TEACHERS, COMMON STUDENTS, COMMON PLANNING and ALWAYS think about what is best for ALL kids as first priority.

Drive: What Motivates Us?

As we begin our journey down the Smaller Learning Community path, our teachers and school leaders have had many rich conversations about how to improve student engagement, attendance and achievement. We see all three factors as critical to student success. One area that has triggered very spirited discussion and more questions than answers revolves around the idea of homework and grades. How do we ensure that our homework is meaningful and relevant? How do we inspire students to do their homework? How should we grade homework? What should we do about students who don't do their homework? The traditional view is that homework is an important way to reinforce academic content. However, recent research does not really back this up. In fact, the only subject where homework seems to improve achievement is Math. Homework advocates argue that homework is a very effective way to teach responsibility and discipline yet some students appear to have a great deal of trouble finding the motivation to do their homework. It's a complex topic with passionate arguments on both sides of the debate. In the spirit of inquiry and furthering our collective thinking and understanding, we'd like to share an RSA Animate based on the work of Daniel Pink, the author of several provocative, bestselling books about the changing world of work. According to his web-site, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, is based on 50 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional wisdom about human motivation and offer a more effective path to high performance. The RSA animate is about ten minutes long and well worth your time. We hope you enjoy it!

Twenty First Century Skills and SLC's

I love this graphic as I think it really captures and exemplifies how learners, 21st century skills and subject area content can all be fused together to create dynamic programs that produce ethical citizens and engaged thinkers who possess entrepenurial spirit. Through different types of training afforded by our Smaller Learning Communities initiative such as AVID, Project Based Learning, Inclusion, Differentiation and Rigor & Relevance, we will all strengthen our ability to see these connections and to reach our students more effectively. Reactivating and strengthening our Teacher Learning Communities in SY 2011-2012 will really help with this effort. We are currently in the process of designing a professional development plan for SY 2011-2012. Suggestions are most welcome and can be given to department chairs, Beth Pemberton or Lisa Mireles.

Source:http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/1948via Alberta Education

Summer Bridge

Goal 1 of our SLC Grant is to provide stronger, "ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SUPPORT INTERVENTIONS FOR TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL.". This year our Summer Bridge program has been redesigned to do just that! Summer Bridge is a 4-week program during June & July for incoming 9^th grade students. The program is designed to ease the transition from middle to high school by reviewing the key “elements” of high school: organization and study skills, mathematics and literacy, and the social awareness needed to succeed in high school. Skills will be brought together in the program as we explore the real elements around us: fire, earth, air, and water.

Summer Bridge Students will:

1. Jump start success by attending high school classes focused on academic, social, and study skills.
2. Earn credit toward graduation.
3. Attend on and off campus activities.
4. Receive introductions and invitations to join various student clubs and organizations.
5. Work with teachers that will help them grow as individuals, as well as students.
6. Get to know teachers and staff members at Kapa'a High School.
7. Gain the confidence and skills to begin freshman year on the right foot!

The program will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from June 13 to July 11, on the Kapa’a High School campus. Incoming 9^th grade students who want to improve their chances of success in high school algebra by strengthening their math skills and getting a head start on their high school experience. Enrollment will be first come, first served. Enrollment preference will be given to students with failing grades, but all students may apply and everyone can benefit.

Applications are available at Kapa'a Middle School from the counselors. Turn in your application to the drop box in Kapa'a Middle School's main office or to your counselor by the May 20^th deadline. For further questions or concerns, please contact the Summer Bridge Coordinator, Fawn Perry, at Kapa'a High School.

Email: Fawn_Perry@notes.k12.hi.us

Tel#: (808) 821-4400 ext. 175

Have schools forgotten they were supposed to prepare kids for success in the world?

I came across this excellent post from the Innovative Educator and thought I would share it since the author is suggesting that schools move in the direction that our Smaller Learning Community grant seems to be taking us! Here's a brief snippet from the post,

"Why is it that artificial, meaningless-to-real-world tests and grades are the way we think we prepare students??? How about preparing students by providing real-world opportunities to explore careers through internships, apprenticeships, and/or part-time jobs? Why not assess students on their experience and what they learned rather than test them in their ability to memorize and regurgitate facts which in many cases don’t matter and aren’t remembered? "

You can read the entire post here....

Happy Reading and Thinking!

Developing our 9th Grade Program!

Wow! What a fantastic day of professional development! Today’s work was facilitated once again by Michelle Swanson and dedicated to developing our 9th Grade Hui Program. The Hui teaching teams were supported by Vice-Principal Diane Ayre, Counselor Terri Christensen, Special Ed Department Chair, Fred Rivera, our PCNC, Nancy Borilez and Mason Chock from Leadership Kaua’i.

After introductions and questions/concerns were discussed, Michelle shared a Ted Talk by Sir Ken Robinson making the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning and creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish.

From here, the group jumped into thinking about student outcomes and norms to guide our collaborative work. We broke into teams, brainstormed and reported our findings out to the larger group. After lunch, Michelle recommended that we break into three groups. One would take charge of creating a working draft of norms, one would take a stab at drafting student outcomes and one group would work with Michelle to learn about ConnectEd. They provide a wonderful curriculum mapping tool to facilitate more effective and collaborative cross-discipline curriculum planning.

The student outcome group came up with the following working draft to guide our work. This draft will be refined as we move forward.

Student Outcomes

By the end of 9th grade, our students will:

1. Be active and respectful members of our academic community.
2. Meet literacy standards across all subjects.
3. Have a purposeful sense of direction.
4. Actively contribute to the greater community by completing a service project.
5. Demonstrate self-direction, self-management, self-monitoring and self-modifying skills.
6. Be comfortable using a wide variety of technology tools in an ethical manner.
7. Problem-solve and think critically.
8. Articulate how they are nurtured, supported and valued.

Teacher Norms – The 3 P’s

Professionalism
• Honesty and respect with empathy
• Communication and interaction with humor
• Honor each other’s strengths and challenges
• Limit Multi-tasking

Preparedness
• Structured planning and collaboration
• Spirit of collaboration with a sense of purpose to contribute to the group – “Giving Your All”
• No complaining without solutions
• Step Up/Step Back: No Hogs or Logs

Purpose
• Establish Expectations
• The heart of our work is guided by the best interests of the students.
• Consensus drives decision-making keeping the mission of the Hui in mind.
• Meaningful Meetings


As the day drew nearer to a close, we began some rich discussions about how we would frame our program by coming up with agreements in the areas of assignments formats, student materials & organization, homework and late work policies, and classroom behavior norms/expectations.

Michele closed the day by sharing a new lens through which to view curriculum planning and design in order to better achieve our college and career readiness goals for our students.

Much to think about and consider but we finally feel like we are taking concrete steps and moving from talk to action. We are really hoping Michelle can come back and help facilitate the continuation of our work on our two planning days scheduled for May 16th and 17th. Mahalo to all participants for an inspiring and productive day!

Academy Design Update

Today we were fortunate to have our Academy Design Team spend the day working with Michelle Swanson, our SLC Design Consultant. She started the day by asking us our burning questions and issues, which ranged from “How does Math fit in to all of this?” to “How do we decide which academies we should have?” Michelle then gave us an overview of key issues that we will have to consider moving forward including the following:

1.Defining our structure for 11th and 12th grade is only 30% of the battle. The other 70% includes improving instruction. In most schools there is too much low level input and not enough high-level output. How do we know our students are passionate about learning?
2. Maintaining a focus on rigor & relevance. We need a curriculum that does not hold anyone back while not letting anyone fall through the cracks. At the same time we need to teach kids that both effort and ability matter. In high school, we tend to reward just effort and then students get to college and drop out when they realize effort isn’t enough. They should be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to succeed before leaving high school.
3. SLC’s are about college AND career readiness, not one or the other. We are developing SLC’s to ensure that ALL students are ready for BOTH college and careers.
4. We need to be thinking big. We have never really asked teachers to think outside of the box, their classroom or their department before. This is tough work.

After some discussion, Michelle then walked us through our six CTE pathways against the academy certification criteria set out by Linked Learning, an organization that supports the development of academies. Together we analyzed whether or not each existing CTE pathway at Kapa’a High School met the criteria in the areas of:

1. Enrollment - Does the pathway have enough students enrolled in it at this point?
2. Personnel - Do we have the staff to expand the pathway and offer a full academy in this area?
3. Kaua’i Office of Economic Development Target Industry Clusters - Are the programs in the pathway aligned with these clusters (Food/Agriculture, Energy, Arts, Technology, Sports & Recreation, Health & Wellness)
4. Partners - What are the potential and existing partnerships with local colleges and businesses?
5. Projects - Is there potential for interesting, student-led projects?
6. Connecting Subjects - What other subjects could support this academy?
7. Pathways - What other CTE pathways could support this academy?

After this exercise, it became clear to the group that we should start with the four most developed pathways when creating our academies. Our best thinking at this moment is that we would have two broad academies with two main pathways in each academy. The pathways could have more than one program. The two remaining CTE pathways would be embedded into the all of the other pathways for something like this:

	HOPES (Health Occupations, and Public, Entrepreneurial Services)		IDEAS (Industrial Design, Engineering, Arts & Sciences)
Primary CTE Pathway	Health Services	Public and Human Services	Arts & Communication	Industrial & Engineering Technology
Program (s)	Health and Wellness	Hospitality & Culinary Arts	1. Fine Arts 2. Performing Arts 3. Digital Media & /Graphic Design	1. Auto 2. Building /Drafting 3. A+
Connecting Subject Areas	Science PE JROTC Health Business	Science Social Studies Business	English Social Studies Business	English Math Science STEM Business
Partnerships	Mahelona Wilcox UH American Red Cross	KCC	KCC Hoike HMSA Business Partners	KCC Cisco
Kaua’i Economic Cluster Area(s)	Health & Wellness Food & Agriculture Sports & Recreation	Food & Agriculture Sports & Recreation	Arts Technology	Technology Energy
COMMON TO, AND EMBEDDED IN ALL ACADEMIES	ENTREPENEURSHIP
	NATURAL RESOURCES/SUSTAINABILITY
	WORLD LANGUAGES

Our steps are for the Academy Design Team to reflect upon and develop this framework more fully. Ultimately each Academy will have a mission and vision statement, a description and course sequencing recommendations from 9th – 12th grade that will include both overall academy and specific program requirements. Once this has been developed, the Academy Design team will present this to the Smaller Learning Communities Leadership Team for review and approval. At the same time, we will also be working with Mike Neubig who is a Smaller Learning Communities scheduling expert on May 24th to ensure that we can indeed make this model work on a schedule. One big piece of successful SLC’s is cohort scheduling. This means teams of teachers and groups of students get to work together in the academies. We will be striving for purity, meaning that students from the same program in each academy will be scheduled together for at least 50% of their day (4 classes on a 7 period schedule) starting in Fall 2012 with our 11th graders.

Our day ended with a visit from Christel from the National Academy Foundation. Christel is friends with Michelle and spent the morning at Kaua’I High School. She shared with us about the possibilities and potential benefits of partnering with the NAF. She is working with several other schools in Hawaii so we were happy to make a connection with her.

All in all a great day and I want to thank everyone for their professionalism, hard work and dedication to ensuring that all students at Kapa’a High School are college and career ready.