Educational Options for a Changing World

This week we officially unveiled The Academies at New Milford High School to our junior and sophomore students (next week we will roll it out to the freshman and eighth graders).  The three academies are Arts & Letters, S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and Global Leadership.  For obvious reasons I was extremely excited to speak to my students about this initiative and the incredible opportunity that they would now have to be part of a structure that caters to their interests.  The question was, how would the students react to the program?

The answer to this question was one that would please any educator!  My students were so engaged during the presentation that you literally could hear a pin drop.  It was also at this time that we introduced new course offerings that we believe are better aligned with learning in the 21st Century.  Some examples include Digital Journalism, Chinese Language and Culture I, Biotechnology, Digital Photography, Bioethical Studies, and Rock of Ages: Popular Culture Through the Prism of Rock & Roll.  After covering all of the intricacies associated with the new academy structure the students were asked if they had any questions.  Immediately numerous hands went up into the air further indicating their interest in this structure.  Let me tell you, their questions were fantastic!

At this point I was on such I high after seeing and hearing the students positive reaction to The Academies at New Milford High School that I still wanted to engage them further to really feel the pulse of the student body, and feel it I did.  As I roamed the halls in the morning and the cafeteria during lunch,     I was approached by excited students inquiring about which academy they wanted to be a part of, courses that they would like to take, and the possibility of enrolling in more than one academy.  This had to be the best part of my day on Thursday and Friday.  Their excitement about what we do at NMHS really provides me with a sense of fulfillment in terms of the collective work being done by all levels of staff.

Here is an overview and rational for the academies:

• Student interest: We want to create a culture of learning that focuses on their interests and passions. 
• National need and global demand for qualified graduates.
• Concentrated studies in career-focused areas connected to college majors and the 21st Century Workforce.
• Increasing rigor and accountability across the board for all students. 
• Re-branding of certain courses.  For example, English 11 will now be called Exploration in Contemporary American Works (this looks much better on a transcript that English 11).
• Open to ALL students.  It should be noted that this is optional, but available to all students (there is no G.P.A. requirement).  
• Special designation on high school diploma and colored cords to be worn at graduation.  The students will determine what those colors will be.
• Authentic learning experiences aligned to each academy where credit will be awarded.  These include internships, independent study, travel, and work-related study.
• Ability of all students to apply to take a Virtual High School Course (we only have 25 seats per semester).

This is just another example of the changes occurring at NMHS to better meet the diverse needs of all of our learners while preparing them for success in the 21st Century. The challenge I have made to my students is that their lives at NMHS should not be about finding themselves, but instead creating themselves.

So what do you think about our academy structure for 2011-2012?  Are there any components that you suggest we change, add, remove?