OVERVIEW

The objectives of smaller learning communities (SLC) are to (1) increase the graduation rate; (2) increase student academic achievement; and (3) improve school climate. To achieve these objectives each SLC provides a nurturing environment that fosters relationship-building to establish trust between the students, parents and the staff. Furthermore, each SLC has a lead teacher working with a team of teachers and together they keep the vision of the SLC in focus.

ACADEMICS

The course-of-study of each SLC is rigorous and includes regular, honors and advanced placement classes. Students successfully completing the course-of-study for either of the SLCs will be well prepared to pursue post secondary education and/or employment.

AVID

AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a college prep course required in our Freshmen Academy. The focus of AVID is to prepare students for college level work by strengthening their writing, reading and analytical thinking skills. AVID students participate in tutorials twice a week with college tutors, take college tours, and research post-secondary education and financial aide sources.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent involvement, a key component to the success of each SLC, is strongly encouraged. Each SLC has a parent advisory board that allows parent input into the governance of the SLC and provides them with support and vital information.

SELECTION

Students along with their parents "self-select" into one of the five SLCs based on their personal preferences and career goals. Students complete the CPS Choices Planner Career Cluster Inventory. From that database of information the houses are created according to the interest of the students. Enrollment is on a first-come-first serve basis restricted by the availability of slots in a particular SLC.

APPLICATION PROCESS

TRANSFERS

Transferring between SLCs is not recommended. Because of the specific courses each SLC requires a student to take, transferring may cause a student to get off track for graduation. Transferring between SLCs can only occur at special designated times. Request for transfers may be made by parents or lead teachers and must be approved by a SLC administrator and/or the principal.

For next year (2008-2009) the following four SLC Houses will be offered to 10th graders:

ALL HOUSES WILL UTILIZE THE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION CURRICULUM, this includes: Kaplan's Language, Literacy, and Inquiry, and Text Connections; Carnegie's Cognitive Tutor; Northwestern University's MSC program.

• The Global Business Academy works on developing leadership skills in order to become successful in the business world. Students will form partnerships with local employers, community and state colleges. These partnerships will bring in resources from the community-at-large to improve student motivation and achievement, and to prepare them for careers in: business entrepreneurship, finance, investments, financial planning, culinary arts, and hospitality. The E.T.C. involved in this house is Culinary Arts. The Lead Teacher for the Global Business Academy is Victoria Park.

• The Fine Arts Academy focuses on developing the strengths of the critical and creative thinker in classes which foster creative problem solving and showcase the talents and artistic spirit of the learner. Emphasis is placed on project based learning in order to nurture that creativity. The house is geared toward artistic students, especially those who plan to focus on art, music (vocal or instrumental), graphic arts, or woodworking, etc. in college or career. Our students will be involved in numerous exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, recitals, and multi-media productions. The E.T.C.'s involved in this house are Carpentry and Cabinet Making. The Lead Teacher for the Fine Arts Academy is Katherine Adams.

• The Public Service Academy develops the student's awareness of civil rights, community economic development, and social justice. The goal of this smaller learning community is to develop future local leaders, by instilling pride of self and community. Through inquiry-based instruction, i.e. community based projects, students will discover the rich history of the surrounding neighborhoods and learn to apply effective problem solving skills to real life issues. The E.T.C.'s involved in this house are Medical Assistance and Cosmetology. The Lead Teacher for the Public Service Academy is Grace Gallegos.

• The Technical Institute Academy will focus on preparing students for diverse career paths in technology. This could include auto mechanics, computer programming, advanced science and engineering. The curriculum will focus on developing your mathematical, scientific, logical and problem solving skills. As we move into the 21st century, these skills are becoming increasingly valuable and can prepare you for high paying careers. The E.T.C. involved in this house is Auto Mechanics. The Lead Teacher for the Technical Institute Academy is Eddy Mazur.

SLC WILL ALSO INCLUDE OUR FRESHMEN ACADEMY:

Freshman Academy

The Freshman Academy provides ninth grade students with: a seamless transition from 8th grade into high school; an individualized environment focused on student success; a strong emphasis on communication; support in family units to assist students as they deal with the social, emotional, and academic issues that confront them; and a rigorous academic curriculum that is based on the College Readiness Standards and the Illinois Learning Standards. The benefits are improved standardized test scores; increased opportunities for academic development through scheduled double period English and Math classes; supported emotional/social development; as well as post-secondary preparation through AVID or Seminar classes. Through High School Transformation Kaplan is our program for the double period English class and Cognitive Tutor is the program we utilize for Math through Carnegie. Northwestern University sponsors our Science program with MSC.

SLC WILL ALSO INCLUDE OUR FIRST SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOL (9-12):

JROTC

Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or JROTC, is a full credit elective course for students who qualify based on their past grades and scores. The program offers interesting classroom instruction combined with the opportunity to serve the school and community, participate in extra -curricular activities, enjoy active social programs, and have the opportunity for early leadership responsibilities. The material covered in JROTC varies throughout the year, with short segments on a variety of topics related to leadership, the armed forces and the nations. The Army JROTC curriculum includes such topic as U.S. Military history, health, human relations, first aid, military map reading, communications, drill and ceremony and rifle marksmanship.