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!