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Career and Thematic Academies
  


 Smaller Learning Communities at MNPS

 In the fall of 2008, MNPS took the next big step in the district wide high school redesign initiative based on the Small Learning Communities' (SLC) model. 

All MNPS zoned high schools are being restructured into smaller, more personalized learning environments. These smaller communities come in the form of Freshman Academies and Career and Thematic Academies. The district's 12 comprehensive high schools are offering Freshman Academies, which group ninth graders together with a team of teachers and an advisor. Freshman Academies allow for a smoother transition into high school. Tenth grade students at seven high schools have the option of joining a Career or Thematic Academy, which allows students to study state mandated curriculum in the context of a particular career or theme of study. A complete list of high school Academy offerings can be found here.

Smaller Learning Communities offer students:
  • relevant and rigorous curriculum;
  • 21st Century Skills such as critical thinking, ICT (information, communication, and technology) literacy, life skills and 21st Century content;
  • the opportunity to form closer relationships with teachers and advisors;
  • practical work experience through job shadowing and internships;
  • the possibility for industry certifications;
  • the opportunity to learn in the context of a particular industry or subject theme (such as Arts or Communications);
  • more engaging curriculum and instruction;
  • and, preparation for College AND Career.

The primary focus of the redesign is the student. In traditional high schools, students can choose either an academic path or a technical path toward graduation. The redesign combines the two avenues providing more opportunity than ever for students. This structure is in place to accommodate the changes occurring with the state’s new High School Plan, which takes effect in the 2009-2010 school year. Through the Academies, students learn in the context of a particular career such as Business, Architecture and Construction or Health Science. For example, if a student chooses to join an Architecture and Construction Academy, he or she will not only learn Algebra, but also learn how Algebra is used at an architectural firm. In addition to standard state curriculum, students will also learn skills relevant to their particular academy. Referring back to the example of an Architecture and Construction Academy, the student might learn the basics of drafting.

Through Career Academies, students are also able to participate in job shadowing and internships; they are able to earn actual industry certifications; and they are able to interact with business professionals in their field of study. In summary, Career and Thematic Academies will maintain the same academic curriculum currently taught in MNPS, while providing students an opportunity to learn specific workplace skills in the context of a particular career, chosen by the student.

Academies are designed to prepare students for whatever life may bring them after high school, either college or career. Students will have a strong academic background, career skills and practical work experience. Academies will equip students with an arsenal of tools to ensure their success in the global community.

    What will be different? The changes can be summed up as 3 R’s:

                                Relationship of an Elementary School
                                    Structure of a Middle School
                                         Rigor of a High School

• Rigor –  Students will study rigorous and academically challenging curriculum.
• Relevance  –  Students will learn in the context of a particular career or subject theme, such as Business, Hospitality or The Arts. Therefore, they learn how subjects and lessons will apply in the business world; they learn the "how" and "why."
• Relationships  –  Smaller learning communities allow for more nurturing student-teacher relationships. 


                                The 3-Year Phase In Process

2008-2009:

  • Schools maintain Freshman Academies and Advisories (small groups of students assigned to a teacher advisor), while implementing Career and Thematic Academies.
  • Four schools pilot Freshman Seminar.
  • Students begin taking introductory, elective courses relative to their particular Career/Thematic Academy.
  • Class schedules are built around Career/Thematic structure, allowing students and teachers to remain in a smaller, more personalized learning environment for a large portion of the school day.

2009-2010:

  • Career Thematic Academies mature, offering students more courses in their particular area of interest.
  • Job shadowing with local businesses begins for Career Academy students.
  • Freshman Academies and advisories for all grades continue.
  • Career and Thematic Academies include 10th, 11th and 12th grades. .

2010-2011:

  • Career Thematic Academies continue to mature, adding internships and real work-based experience to prepare students for college and career.
  • Capstone courses begin for students in Thematic Academies.
  • Advisories continue, also focusing on helping seniors make final preparations for college and career.


The high school redesign is underway with funding by a $6.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The effort is one of our many initiatives to boost our graduation rate and enable each of our students to pursue a satisfying and productive life after high school.