Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

TEACHING AND LEARNING PRESENTATION

Focus on Student Achievement: Career Academies (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Career academies have been found to be highly effective in improving the performance of students in high school. The durability and broad appeal of the career academy approach can be attributed, in part, to their core elements: organized as schools-within-a-school that reduce large high schools into smaller communities; integration of academic courses with technical and career courses organized around a career theme; and creation of partnerships with local employers to strengthen connections between school and work. Research demonstrates that career academies lead to increased attendance, greater student involvement in extracurricular activities, and increased academic course enrollment.

Eighteen district high schools offer career academies where the curriculum is rigorous and relevant, preparing students for both career and college. Ninth and tenth grade students enter an academy, developing essential relationships with teachers and fellow students, resulting in a positive high school experience. Students improve performance as they connect academics to career and college choices.

On October 4, 2006, seven district career academies will be featured in Orlando at the Department of Education/Florida Education Foundation 2006 K-12 Innovation Fair Reform – It’s Happening: Showcase of Excellence. The academies that will be showcased are:

  • Academy of Finance, Armwood High School
  • Academy of Travel and Tourism, Chamberlain High School
  • Environmental Studies Academy, East Bay High School
  • Academy of International Law and Criminal Justice, Jefferson High School
  • Academy of Health Professions, Tampa Bay Technical High School
  • Academy of Journalism, Tampa Bay Technical High School
  • Culinary Operations, Wharton High School
The impact of a career academy on student achievement will be shared by teachers and students from Wharton and Armwood High Schools.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

Career Academies are part of the instructional program; there is no additional cost for the agenda item.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:

Pamela Campbell-Peralta
General Director, Technical and Career Education
(813) 231-1860 		Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813) 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20060926_184 * Section D Item# 1