Academy Development

1. Determine specific interest in the school and obtain principal / Instructional Council endorsement and building approval.
2. Contact Academy Coordinator for assistance.
3. Determine the focus (career or major) of the Academy with special attention to integration across disciplines and special needs students.
4. Determine the model that will best meet this small, personalized learning community. Model criteria include subject areas to be taught, staffing issues, length of academy (2,3 or 4 years), scheduling of classes, common planning periods, possible release time for lead teacher, and professional development needed for curriculum planning and coordination.
5. Contact pathway specialist to determine if this will require new program approval or if it falls under an existing state approval.
6. Determine if the school has qualified teaching staff or if an existing staff person can obtain the necessary certification, or if a new teacher(s) need to be hired.
7. Determine if an existing Advisory Board is already established and contact the Academy Coordinator for current advisory board information.
8. Meet with Academy Coordinator to develop new Advisory Board or pursue joining existing Advisory Board.
9. Engage in developing program approval or program plan of work.
10. Begin and complete the following processes:
    • Student and community interest / support
    • Teacher certification
    • Program and budgetary needs
    • Labor forecast
    • Advisory group and functional support
    • Curriculum frameworks
    • Student leadership organization.
11. Once Academy model has been determined, prepare information to share with students and parents including:
    • Brochures
    • Application packets
    • Code of conduct and expectations.
12. Develop screening process for admission into the academy.
13. Meet with parents and students to educate them about the Academy, assess interest, and provide information and applications for students.
14. Review applications, conduct interviews, and inform students of acceptance or non-acceptance into the academy
15. Develop integrated units across the curriculum using Project Based Teaching and Learning training
16. Set regularly scheduled Academy Staff meetings
17. Attend summer staff institutes or trainings in teams. The National Academy Foundation (NAF) program - Academy of Finance, Travel & Tourism, and Information Technology - Academy Coordinator should be able to assist in the arrangements for attending the annual summer institute
18. Provide ongoing resource support – trainings, externships, internships, career conferences, job shadows, advisory board contacts, etc.
19. The pathways specialist and academy coordinator assist with all of the above. When they are in place, equipment, supplies, professional development and a calendar of activities are assigned to the program.