Freshman Academy Northside High School Fall 2012 Maria Johnson, Principal Kari Page, Freshman Pride Academy Director

Why will it be a benefit to my student? Why a Freshmen Academy? Why will it be a benefit to my student?

Studies show… More students drop out of school in the freshman year than any other year – and high stakes testing seems to exacerbate this problem.

Studies show… The high school freshman year is pivotal because students make critical academic choices that impact the rest of their lives.

Freshman dilemma! Students are being asked to make more sophisticated decisions at younger and younger ages, with little information for making those decisions.

School Dropout Rates: A National Crisis

Important for Dropout Prevention Studies show that students who can project themselves into the future and understand the consequences of their actions today are far less likely to drop out of school (high school or college), become a teen parent, or abuse drugs.

Data Compiled from SIMS database Supports decision making and planning efforts of establishing a Freshmen Academy at Northside High School. Shows trends and longitudinal comparisons in three distinct areas (attendance, discipline, and achievement)

What is it? Designed to ease transition from middle to high school Structured program consisting of teams of a core group of teachers Students will remain on team throughout the entire year

Purpose of the Freshmen Academy Reduce the number of 9th grade students who fail. Increase the number of 9 th grade students who graduate Provide a structured environment and curriculum that will be conducive to the learning styles of students. Ease the transition from middle school to high school. Implement a team approach to teaching to allow teachers to get to know their students’ academic and personal needs by drawing on the strengths of the “whole” rather than on individual teachers. Provide skills to successfully navigate life and work transitions.

Freshman Academy Focus... Core Academics Character Building Proper Study Habits Preparation for their high school career Preparation for the challenges of becoming productive members of our community

Vision The Northside High School Freshman Academy: Promoting positive growth from Middle to High School.

Mission The Mission of the NHS Freshman Pride Academy is to provide a smooth transition for every student from middle to high school regardless of previous academic performance, family background, socioeconomic status, race, or gender. It is our purpose to improve the overall culture of NHS by providing a solid foundation of rigorous academic expectation, while fostering positive growth in social/emotional behaviors and attitudes. The entire NHS Freshman Academy Team pledges itself to these student outcomes.

“The more the high schools personalize their work with students, the more effective they will be.” Theodore Sizer, author Horace’s Compromise: The Dilemma of the American High School

The Interdisciplinary Model Math History English IScience Career Mgt Electives

Advantages of integrated, thematic- driven curriculum… Learners: see connections and relationships between disciplines– more like the real world are more motivated and engaged by thematic/relevant topics learn to synthesize information rather than memorize facts gain an increased perception of the real world that makes the transition to work faster and easier

Keys to Success... Team Planning Core Teachers will collaborate on strategies and activities Will focus on the students’ academic, organizational, and social needs AVID Methodologies Each team will incorporate To include: writing, inquiry, collaborative, and reading Parent Communication Monthly online newsletter posted –Will highlight curriculum and events of Freshman Academy –Each teacher will contribute –Teachers will keep updated websites with detailed information

Freshman Academy Career Management Course Personalized for Academy members Gets students actively involved and motivated Demonstrates the importance of education Encourages critical thinking and problem solving Integrates academics and career exploration Reinforces reading, writing and computation skills Successfully incorporates AVID methodologies within each curriculum

Questions/Concerns