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)

9 th grade transition programs’ affect on high school dropout rates:  with program- 8% dropout rate  without program- 24% dropout rate (Reents, 2002)

College Courses Most COLLEGES have a Freshman transition course. – Why? Why not have the same in high school?

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

Results? o 65 freshmen failed a total of 116 classes o 37 freshmen failed a total of 73 classes

Looking Ahead 2 school counselors (same) – All previously mentioned contacts PLUS Individual meetings as 8 th graders for schedules 8 th grade parent/student orientation

Engage Results

Small learning communities do have a positive impact on attendance rates, school climate, student achievement, 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

Research Mr. Krause, Mr. Morris, Ms. Gastaldello, Mrs.Seger Online Research Contact with the following schools/programs: Piscataway HSNorthern Valley Reg. HS Fort Lee HSMatawan HS Red Bank Reg. HSMontclair HS Raritan HSWarren Hills HS Middletown North HSWest 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) Over the past two years…

Conclusions from Schools Visited In General Academic Performance Attendance Discipline Referrals

Data from Schools Visited West Haven HS (4 year look-back) Freshmen Failures Mathematics31.2%19.0% Science21.8%8.5% Social Studies21.8%11.1% English29.6%14.1%

Data from Schools (Cont’d) Freshmen Discipline Freshmen Attendance Verbal Reprimand Central Detention ISS OSS %92.06%

Benefits StudentsFaculty Increased academic achievementShared mission Reduced isolationCollective responsibility for student success Enhanced sense of communityCommon planning time with team Increased graduation rateEnhanced communications with parents Increased promotion rate to 10 th Grade Opportunities for interdisciplinary lessons Improved student-teacher relationships Opportunities to develop curriculum Improved student behaviorGreater morale for new initiatives

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

VTHS Ninth Grade Academy Mission Statement The mission of the VTHS Ninth Grade Academy Program is to educate and prepare incoming 9 th 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.

VTHS Ninth 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

Components of the Ninth Grade Academy Academy Teams – Approximately students/team Teacher Teams in Core Subjects – English, Math, Science, Social Studies Common Planning/Collaboration – For teacher teams and subject area teachers

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

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

Teacher Teams Blue Ms. Gemon Mr. Byrne Mr. Pedersen Ms. Cleary Gold Ms. Matthews Mr. Getz Ms. Schoepp Mr. LaBouseur White Mrs. Moran Ms. LeDuc Mr. DeJulia Mr. Falkowski

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

A supportive environment enhances students’ sense of belonging, ownership of learning, recognition of good choices and the ability to make good choices (NASSP, 2005).

cr7bXVnAc083MXhtM1lvM3M/edit?pli= 1 Copy and open in Google Chrome