Career Academy Overview Parent and Community Meeting October 10, 2013
Why Are We Here? (purpose) Last year, the Atlanta Board of Education voted to approve the district s recommendation to close Kennedy Middle School in May 2014. Also, the board approved the district s recommendation to repurpose the Kennedy Middle School facility into a career academy to open in 2015-16.
Meeting Objectives Provide information and an overview of the district s plan to repurpose Kennedy MS into a career academy Discuss the career academy preliminary plan Explain the conversion charter vote process 03
What Is a Career Academy? Definition: An educational structure centered around career themes or career clusters APS YouTube Link for Career Academy Introductory Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chj1uxixekc&feature=youtu.be 04
Vision APS envisions its career academy as a supplemental center of excellence that supports its network of small learning communities and small schools by offering in-depth post-secondary college planning and industry-led workforce development.
Mission APS career academy aims to provide all high school students with access to careerand technology-focused learning opportunities in partnership with community, government agencies, colleges, universities and technical schools. 06
Benefits of Repurposing Kennedy MS Site Benefits students Repurposes a closed school facility Creates a viable structure in the community Responds to community request for more technical education Meets important requirements Centralized location Large facility Expansion capacity Classroom size and layout Auditorium Docks for delivery needs Close to Atlanta University Center 07
Historical Shift 1983 1984 2006 Nation at Risk, United States school reform recommended that computer literacy be a component of the high school curriculum The authorization of Carl D. Perkins legislation reformed comprehensive high schools, and components of the model were eliminated Carl D. Perkins Legislation IV required that vocational education be referred to as career technical education
Vocational vs. Career Technical Education Vocational Focuses on practical skills Ability to perform tasks related to a specific industry Students are prepared for manufacturing and construction related jobs Career Technical Focuses on advanced technology and the developments made in computer and digital information More computer oriented Students are prepared for more technical related jobs 09
A Career Academy Is Designed to... Integrate an engaging and rigorous curriculum that aligns to projected national, state and local workforce demands and pathways Build partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions and other community stakeholders Prepare students for post secondary college and career readiness options 010
A Career Academy Is Designed to... Allow students to maintain enrollment in their zoned high schools with broader access to participate in career pathways currently not offered on campus Increase opportunities for students to participate in dual enrollment for exposure to college level coursework Offer students expanded opportunities to complete certification programs in Georgia s 17 career pathways and earn industry recognized credentials 011
Why a Career Academy? Growth Industries GA Statewide Defense Information Technology (IT) Arts Financial Services Logistics & Transportation Aerospace Energy & Environment International Trade Automotive Food Processing Manufacturing Agri Business Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Life Sciences Contact/Data Centers Headquarter Business Tourism Source: Industries in Georgia, Key Sectors & Strengths, http://www.georgia.org/industries/pages/default.aspx 012
Why a Career Academy? Growth Industries Metro Atlanta Bioscience & Health IT Metro Atlanta is a leading hub for clean tech companies and industry activities, representing the most diverse clean economy in the nation. Atlanta excels in clean tech sector growth, with more than 43,000 clean economy jobs. Home to industry leaders Suniva, GE Energy and Siemens, Metro Atlanta is poised to create an additional 6,000 clean tech jobs over the next five years. Global Commerce Atlanta is the nation's health IT capital and is at the forefront of consumer digital health. With over 200 companies, Georgia s bioscience and health IT industries are responsible for almost $30 billion in annual reported revenue and 120,000 employees with the sector s primary businesses growing at a 40 percent rate. Clean Energy Atlanta is a key gateway for global business, offering both the international diversity and unparalleled access to make meaningful worldwide connections. Metro Atlanta is home to approximately 2,800 international facilities, employing more than 130,000 people. Some 65 countries are present in metro Atlanta, representing 67 full & honorary consulates and trade offices, and 48 bi national chambers of commerce. Corporate Operations Metro Atlanta has grown into a leading global logistics hub and center for supply chain management due to its strong cluster of headquarters that demand efficient services, vital southeast geographic location and robust infrastructure. From highways to rails to the frequency of flights via the world s busiest airport, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta is uniquely positioned for supply chain technology and talent. Technology Metro Atlanta is a magnet for attracting talented people and fast growing companies. The region boasts the third largest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters in the country and a track record as one of the nation s top jobs producers. Metro Atlanta accounts for roughly two thirds of Georgia s economy, nearly 60 percent of the state s jobs and 75 percent of its population growth. Supply Chain Logistics Atlanta is one of the fastest growing high tech urban centers in the nation. Powered by the strength of more than 13,000 technology companies, the city is established for its strengths in telecom, Internet security, digital media and a thriving mobility ecosystem. Within the next three to five years, projections show technology companies will invest more than $1 million in Georgia. Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/why-metro-atlanta 013
Career Pathways and Potential Partnerships Bioscience & Healthcare IT Business Logistics & Services Growth Industries & Occupations: Healthcare IT Dentistry Medical Device Development Infectious Disease Research Healthcare Insurance/Billing Biotechnology Veterinary Medicine Nursing Forensic Science Robotics Growth Industries & Occupations: Information Systems Supply Chain Management Financial Services & Insurance Business Process Optimization Architecture & Engineering Entrepreneurship Avionics Global Commerce Accounting/Audit Marketing Potential Sponsors: Potential Sponsors: Clean Energy & Technology Media & Entertainment Growth Industries & Occupations: Clean Technology Sustainable Development Energy Conservation Solar, Water & Wind Power Fuel Efficiency Renewable Energy Utilities Smart Grid Technologies Green Entrepreneurship Clean Environmental Policy Growth Industries & Occupations: Entertainment Law Graphic Design Sound Engineering Music Production Broadcast Communications Film Production Photography Digital Media Journalism Sports Management Potential Sponsors: Potential Sponsors: 014
Who Will Attend or Have Access to the Career Academy? A B C High School Students Adult Education Students Parents, Business and Community Members The career academy will support the school community during day and evening hours. Our goal is 1,000 students. 015
Potential Career Clusters and Pathways Architecture and Construction Electrical Emphasis Carpentry Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (Logistics) Distribution and Logistics Entertainment (TBD) Law Music Technicians Energy Energy Systems (Engineering) Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (Automotive) Mechanical and Electrical Components Automobile Maintenance and Light Repair Painting and Refinishing Information Technology Programming Computer Science (as an Advanced Placement option) Health Information Technology 016
Potential Career Clusters and Pathways Agriculture Science Plant Science Plant Science and Horticulture Personal Care Services Cosmetology Barbering Esthetics Graphic Design Healthcare Science Biotechnology Health Informatics Education Early Childhood Education Teaching as a Profession Culinary Arts 017
Specialized Pathway Course Example Career Interest/Aspiration: Line Technician for Georgia Power First Course: Occupational Safety and Fundamentals (9 th grade) Second Course: Introduction to Construction (10 th grade) Third Course: Electrical I. (11 th grade) Fourth Course: Dual Enrollment, Apprenticeship or Internship or Work-based Learning (12th grade) 018
Daily Schedule of the Career Academy Proposed Option 1 1 st Period: Course at home school Travel to career academy 2 nd and 3 rd Periods: Courses at the career academy Lunch at the career academy Travel to home school 4 th Period Course at home school 019
Career Academy Model The state has settled on the charter school model for all career academies in Georgia. The state uses this model because career academies need flexibility in order to offer innovative programming and set rigorous performance goals. Flexibility provides ability to hire industry experts to prepare students for their future careers. The career academy will have close ties with the district. Parents, community members, the business community, colleges and universities will have increased access and a greater voice in school governance through a school-level governing board. 020
Differences Between a Start-Up and Conversion Charter School Start-up charter schools are largely independent from the district. District only provides minimal oversight. The governing board is completely independent from APS. If a start-up school closes, it does not reopen. Conversion charter schools and the district are dependent upon one another. The school will be managed by the governing board, which includes the community, as well as APS representatives, business and higher education members. If a conversion charter closes, it reverts to a traditional school. 021
Conversion Application Process Converting a school to a charter requires approval by a majority of staff members and parents from the converting school. Approval will not be linked to current staffing or other program specifics. Final approval will be granted by the Atlanta Board of Education and the State Board of Education. Public input is part of both of these processes. 022
How Will My Vote Impact the Decision? A No Vote Kennedy may become vacant until another use is found. If left vacant, the facility will no longer be a viable part of the community. The community will not benefit from opportunities to prepare students to become college and career ready through expanded offerings of a career academy. The Kennedy community may lose direct access to the services and amenities planned at the school. The jobs that would otherwise have been offered at the career academy will not be created. A Yes Vote The final decision will need to be approved by the Atlanta Board of Education and then by the State Board. Public input is part of both of these processes. Students will have more opportunities for post-secondary preparation. The facility will be repurposed instead of closed. The academy addresses the community request s for more technical education. The facility will be close to the Atlanta University Center. 023
Career Academy Overview QUESTIONS?