1. Freshman Academy Update
January 24, 2012

11. Freshman Academy Testimonials

12. Silver Bluff High School:
Eases transition to high school – helps student successfully pass ninth grade and graduate on time
Teachers have chosen to be a part of the academy team – have a vested interest – mentor students
Most content-area teachers have common planning
Common planning allows for discussion of academic concerns, intervention and remediation
strategies, and additional student needs (referrals to guidance, SIT, school nurse, parent calls)
Humanities course allows for remediation in reading and math, tutoring, and make up work

13. Midland Valley High School:
Transition to high school can be difficult and stressful
Students solve personal and social issues, participate in extracurriculars, and master coursework
A team of teachers work collaboratively to address students’ needs
Students receive a personalized schedule that focuses on identified strengths and weaknesses
Academy teachers collect data (test scores, grades, failure rates, discipline, middle school teacher
input) to select classes most appropriate for students
Emphasize self-reliance and responsibility
Relationships between teachers and students lower retention rates and improve graduation rates

14. Wagener-Salley High School:
Wagener-Salley High School:
Interventions are the key to students success
Every effort is made to avoid retentions
Academy teachers have a passion for meeting students needs
Common procedures creates an environment of consistency
Teachers disaggregate data, identify weaknesses, attack those areas of need
Create a community atmosphere with parents – contacts with parents are the norm
Compass and USATestPrep provide support and remediation
Students constantly exposed to their personal performance data

15. Freshman Academy Unique Features
Teacher Teams- Recruits interested teachers to the academy who are committed to freshman success
Common Planning for Teachers – dedicates time to discuss best teaching practices and interventions for struggling students
Freshman Data Team – focuses on the unique challenges and solutions needed for success for “red flag” students
Dedicated Guidance Counselor – concentrates efforts on academic, behavior/discipline, social/emotional, and data needs of freshmen only
Groups freshmen- dedicated wing, lockers, bell schedule, and lunch period
Relevant professional development- focuses on specific needs of the academy
Professional learning communities- administration, teachers, students, and parents

16. Freshman Features Common in All Schools
Identify “red flag” students and develop school-wide and teacher-specific interventions to address needs
Use electronic remediation/reinforcement software – i.e. CompassLearning Odyssey
Use data to identify school-wide deficiencies and solutions – i.e. MAP, HSAP, EOCT, discipline, attendance, failure rates, teacher-generated information
Use SIT to identify school-wide needs, interventions, and professional development

17. Questions?