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 Academy

RRISD Academy Journey

Academy Names

Unique Academies and Programs

Transfer 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 21st 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 21st 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 Arts

Education

Law Enforceme

nt

McNeil HS

Academy of Health Science

Agriculture Science

Automotive Technology

Round Rock HS

Automotive Technology

Culinary Arts

Education

Law Enforceme

nt

Stony Point HS

Academy of Health Science

Agriculture Science

International Baccalaureate

Programme

Westwood HS

Academy of Visual and Performing

Arts

International Baccalaureat

e Programme

Unique Academies and Programs 2010-2011

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

2009-2010 8th Grade Students Students are required to apply for the IB Programme

Spring of 8th grade

All students will enter the 9th Grade Program in 2010-2011

9th grade students who did not select an Academy in 8th 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 student’s 8th grade year or second semester of the 9th grade year for students electing to attend a unique Academy or Program

Students requesting academy transfers during their 9th grade year or their 8th 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 8th grade year

Transfer Facts 2010-2011

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

Questions