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Introduction to the Freshman Academy

Introduction to the Freshman Academy. The traditional model of the American public high school is no longer adequate , and too many students are left to their own devices during a critical time in their development. ( Fulco 2009).

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Introduction to the Freshman Academy

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  1. Introduction to the Freshman Academy

  2. The traditional model of the American public highschool is no longer adequate, and too many students are left to their own devices during acritical time in their development. • (Fulco2009)

  3. 9thgrade transition programs’ affect on high school dropout rates: • with program- 8%dropout rate • without program- 24%dropout rate • (Reents, 2002)

  4. College Courses • Most COLLEGES have a Freshman transition course. • Why? • Why not have the same in high school? Transitions!

  5. 9th Grade Last Year • 2 Freshman Counselors • Orientation- brief introduction • Class Meeting- brief introduction • Introduction presentation • Small group meetings • Health Classpresentation (Personal/Social) • Science Class presentation (Academic/ College & Career) • Naviance presentation • Personality assessment • College/ career exploration • Game Plan

  6. Results? • 2010-2011 • 65 freshmen failed a total of 116 classes • 2011-2012 • 37 freshmen failed a total of 73 classes

  7. Looking Ahead • 2 school counselors (same) • All previously mentioned contacts PLUS • Individual meetings as 8th graders for schedules • 8th grade parent/student orientation We can make it even better!!!

  8. Engage Results

  9. Small learning communities do have a positive impact on attendance rates, • school climate, studentachievement, graduation rates, and school safety. • (Hertzog & Morgan, 1999). • Last year at VTHS: • Freshman/Sophomore Semi-Formal was cancelled • Junior/Senior Semi-Formal had under 50 students attend • Halloween Dance (grades 9-12) had under 25 students attend

  10. ResearchMr. Krause, Mr. Morris, Ms. Gastaldello, Mrs.Seger Over the past two years… • Online Research • Contact with the following schools/programs: Piscataway HS Northern Valley Reg. HS Fort Lee HS Matawan HS Red Bank Reg. HS Montclair HS Raritan HS Warren Hills HS Middletown North HS West Haven HS (Connecticut) A.L. Brown HS (North Carolina) • Site Visits: Piscataway HS (1/18/12) Middletown North HS (4/25/12) West Haven HS (5/4/12)

  11. Conclusions from Schools Visited • In General

  12. Data from Schools Visited West Haven HS (4 year look-back) Freshmen Failures

  13. Data from Schools (Cont’d) Freshmen Discipline Freshmen Attendance

  14. Benefits

  15. General Advice from Research/Visits Create a Ninth Grade Academy based upon your school’s specific needs and capabilities

  16. VTHSNinth Grade Academy • Mission Statement The mission of the VTHS Ninth Grade Academy Program is to educate and prepare incoming 9th grade students for a successful transition into high school. The Academy provides a supportive environment, promotes responsibility and develops skills necessary for future success in high school and ultimately, college and career readiness.

  17. VTHSNinth Grade Academy • Goals Short Term: Increase passing rates, decrease number of students losing credit, decrease discipline referrals Long Term: Improved attendance, increased graduation rates, increased standardized test scores Overall: increase student engagement and involvement, increase college acceptance and matriculation rates

  18. Components of theNinth Grade Academy • Academy Teams • Approximately 90-100 students/team • Teacher Teams in Core Subjects • English, Math, Science, Social Studies • Common Planning/Collaboration • For teacher teams and subject area teachers

  19. Components of theNinth Grade Academy (Cont’d) • Freshman Wing • core academic subjects ONLY • PE, Lunch, World Language and Electives “outside” of the Academy • 9th grade lockers will be located in the Freshman Wing • Administrator for Academy • Common Guidance Counselor(s)

  20. Components of theNinth Grade Academy (Cont’d) • Each “Team” will feature Honors, CP and standard level courses • All 9th grade students will be randomly assigned a “Team” by PowerSchool (student database system)

  21. TeacherTeams Blue Gold Ms. Matthews Mr. Getz Ms. Schoepp Mr. LaBouseur White • Ms. Gemon • Mr. Byrne • Mr. Pedersen • Ms. Cleary • Mrs. Moran • Ms. LeDuc • Mr. DeJulia • Mr. Falkowski V Respect * Ownership * Character * Kindness * VTHS 9th Grade Academy

  22. What Has Not Changed… • Core content curriculum • Course offerings/ elective offerings • 9th grade requirements • Bell schedule/ 8 period day • Opportunities to interact with the entire student body • Extracurricular opportunities

  23. Asupportive environment enhances students’ sense of belonging,ownership of learning, recognition of good choices andthe ability to make good choices (NASSP, 2005).

  24. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwGmcr7bXVnAc083MXhtM1lvM3M/edit?pli=1https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwGmcr7bXVnAc083MXhtM1lvM3M/edit?pli=1 Copy and open in Google Chrome

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