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National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC)

The mission of NCAC is to create and support a national network of existing and emerging career academies.

2015-2016 NCAC Board of Directors

Jay Steele, Ed.D., President

Chief Academic Officer, Metro Nashville Public Schools

Connie Majka, Vice-President Thomas Sheaffer, Treasurer Susan Katzman, Secretary

Director of Learning & Innovation Retired Director of Policy & Evaluation Retired Director, Career & Technical
Philadelphia Academies, Inc. Office of the Deputy Mayor Education
Philadelphia St Louis Public Schools

Katherine Blasik, Vice-President Kimberly Green, Executive Director

Research & Evaluation National Association of State Directors of CTE Consortium
NAF

Cheryl Carrier Marc Everett Hill

Executive Director Chief Policy Officer
Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

Paula Chaon Jean Miyahira

Vice President Hawaii Consortium of Career Academies
Citi Technology Talent Development

Pam Daly Sandra Porter

DK Brand Strategy, CMO & Marketing Partner Deputy Director
Marketing and Advertising Career & Technical Education, Arkansas

Stephen DeWitt Brad Stam

Deputy Executive Director Vice-President
Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) ConnectEd

Dr. Joseph DiMartino Dr. Judith Stein

President Executive Director
Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR) Nova Southeastern University
Fischler School of Education & Human Resources

John Doerge Jan Struebing

Corporate Citizenship at Deloitte Retired Director
Career & Technical Education Springdale, Arkansas

Angela Grasberger Susan Tidyman

Retired SLC/Academy Program Manager Regional/State Coordinator
Bradenton, Florida College & Career Academy Support Network
University of California-Berkeley

Stephen Casa, Executive Director

Business Office:
c/o Jacobs, Cohen, & Associates, CPA
401 Church Street Suite 2500 Nashville, TN 37219 872-356-NCAC (6222)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

NCAC Board of Directors 3

NCAC Presidents Welcome 5

NCAC Executive Directors Welcome 6

Greetings from the Mayor 7

Featured Speakers 8-9

Program at a Glance 10-11

Special Entertainment 12
NCAC Model Academy Awards 13-17

Pre-Sessions Schedule 18-19

Friday Tours 20-21

Workshop Schedule 22-42

Conference Partners 43-47

Exhibitors 47

Memberships 48-54

Sponsors 55-58

Hotel Floor Plan 59-60

NCAC National Standards of Practice 61-62

NCAC Services to Academies 63

NCAC 2016 20th National Conference 64

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 Jay Steele, Ed.D.
Presidents Welcome

Welcome Conference Attendees:

I want to thank you for joining us here in Louisville, Kentucky for our 19th annual conference.
The National Career Academy Coalition is pleased to be here in beautiful Jefferson County, a community
implementing career academies. Our conference theme is Career Academies: Changing LivesEvery Day/
Every Child.

With the federal emphasis on economic and workforce development career academies are continuing to
spread around the country. Just recently, the White House announced an initiative to increase student
participation in career academies by 500,000. Community leaders are recognizing the value of the collective
impact approach on student achievement, daily attendance, graduation rates, and the economic impact of
prepared students. These leaders clearly understand the importance of career academies and the impact
they are having in preparing our students for the real world.

Career Academies provide the opportunity for educators to fully engage students as never before. The
academy model empowers our youth to make informed choices about their future college and career. As
educators, it is our responsibility to design stimulating and interactive learning environments where students
collaborate, critically think, communicate, and demonstrate their creativity. We are preparing our future!

During our conference here in Louisville, we are celebrating the accomplishments of academies that have
reached model status. NCAC celebrates this achievement and recognizes the vision and dedication each
model academy has demonstrated through the rigorous review process. Congratulations to each of you
your students are reaping the rewards! We also have national experts available for schools who are just
beginning the academy journey. NCAC is here to support every school and every community taking bold
steps to re-envision education.

In closing, I would like to provide a few acknowledgements and my grateful appreciation to the NCAC Board
of Directors, all of the conference sponsors, NCAC partners, and the local committee for planning an
outstanding conference. Remember, Every DayEvery Child!

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 Stephen T. Casa
Executive Directors
Welcome

Greetings Conference Attendees:

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 19th Annual National Career Academy Coalition Conference
in the great city of Louisville, KY. I am excited to be joining such a motivated group of individuals over the
next three days, to improve our efforts in educating the future generations of leaders in this nation. I have no
doubt that you will be energized and motivated by your experiences and will connect with many others who
believe deeply in this work.

We are very excited about this conference and want to thank Jefferson County Superintendent Dr. Hargens
and her team, for their hard work in making this as dynamic an experience as possible. The local committee,
that was led by our wonderful Board Member Cheryl Carrier from Ford NGL, has been integral in making so
much of what youll experience possible. The wonderful reception at the Muhammad Ali Center, the incredible
student ambassadors that youll be seeing throughout, to the extraordinary site visits at Jefferson County
Academies, and so much more; were all made possible by this team. Thank you to Kristen Wingfield, Tami
Hatfield, Ken Talley, Sam Corbett, and Debra Hoffer for dedicating their valuable time to this effort.

In my second trip around the moon as Executive Director, Im honored at your commitment and belief in the
work we do. NCAC has made such great strides over the past year and we feel very excited to share this
progress with you. We performed 22 National Standards of Practice Reviews with 20 academies receiving
model status. Im glad youre here to help me celebrate their success, at our Career Academy Awards. 18 of
the 20 academies will be sharing their best practices during our Model Academy Showcases throughout the
conference. NCAC has also performed eight Baseline Analyses this past year. The Baseline Analysis is a
new initiative for us and will help schools, districts, and communities get a snapshot of where their academies
stand against the National Standards of Practice. This will be integral in their academy development and
sustainability, as professional development can be matched up to needs with the academy ultimately leading
to the NCAC NSOP review process and potentially, model status.

Id like to thank our Conference Committee led by Board Members Angie Grasberger and Marc Hill, for doing
all the behind the scenes work to make this so successful. A special thanks to Jessica Delgado from Ford
NGL for all shes done, she epitomizes collaboration and partnership. Id also like to thank our talented and
hard working colleague Michelle Williams. Shes the straw that stirs the drink at NCAC and were so fortunate
to have her on staff.

Enjoy Louisville, enjoy the conference, enjoy networking with one another, and enjoy your work because its
the greatest work anyone can do.

Best,
Stephen T. Casa
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 Greg Fischer
Mayor of Louisville

On behalf of the City of Louisville, it is with great pleasure that I welcome the
National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) conference to our town.

Since its inception in 1996, NCAC has been recognized as a leader in high school
transformation, using the career academy model. This aligns with one of my
strategic goals increasing educational attainment, through our Cradle to Career
initiative.

Jefferson County Public Schools have worked alongside Ford Next Generation
Learning to develop a five-year plan for developing, scaling and sustaining a
successful career academy network. The NCAC National Standards of Practice is an
important resource guiding the growth of that network. Many of you will have an
opportunity to visit some of our academies during this conference. We hope you will
learn from that experience, and we certainly look forward to learning from you.

Career academies support Louisvilles workforce and economic development needs,

and they directly link to our efforts to grow jobs in advanced manufacturing and
other prioritized sectors. This ensures that our employers will have a strong pool of
candidates for high-skill, high-wage jobs, and students will be prepared for the
careers available in their own community.

While you are here, we hope that you will take advantage of more than 150
attractions that can only be experienced in Louisville, including the Muhammad Ali
Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, and the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Thank you for attending the NCAC Conference, and we hope youll come back soon.

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 FEATURED SPEAKER

Neil Howe
Senior Associate
Center for Strategic and
International Studies

Neil Howe is a historian, economist and demographer who writes and speaks frequently on
generations, the economy and social change. He is Americas leading thinker on who todays
generations are, what motivates them and how they will shape the nations future.

He has authored nine books on American generations, many co-authored with William Strauss,
including Generations (1991), The Fourth Turning (1997), Millennials Rising (2000) and, most
recently, Millennials in the Workplace (2010). In relation to The Fourth Turning, the Boston Globe
wrote If Howe and Strauss are right, they will take their place among the great American
prophets. He has also authored numerous books and policy reports on demographics, most recently
The Graying of the Great Powers (2008).

He is a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he helps lead
the Global Aging Initiative. He holds graduate degrees in history and economics from Yale University.

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 FEATURED SPEAKER

Donna M. Hargens
Superintendent
Jefferson County Public
Schools

Donna M. Hargens is the Superintendent of the Jefferson County Public Schools in

Louisville, Kentucky, having been selected for that position effective August 2011. Prior to her
appointment, she served the Wake County Public School System in Raleigh, North Carolina for 22
years in a variety of positions that included Chief Academic Officer, Interim Superintendent,
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Area Superintendent, and principal of two
high schools.

Among her educational qualifications are graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. from Marquette
University (WI), earning an M.Ed. in educational administration and supervision from University of
North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and being awarded an Ed.D. in educational leadership, management
and policy from Seton Hall University (NJ).

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Hargens began her career as a teacher. She is married, with
two adult children and a granddaughter.

As superintendent of JCPS, Dr. Hargens focus is on raising student achievement for all children,
and she is relentless in expecting staff to collect and analyze data in order to inform their decisions.
Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, and she devotes extensive time to listening to
staff, parents, and community to gain their perspectives and insights before making
recommendations.

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 Program at a Glance
Wednesday, November 4th

5:00 PM 9:00 PM Marriott Foyer 2nd floor Registration Open

Thursday, November 5th

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Marriott Foyer 2nd floor Registration Open

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Marriott Foyer Exhibitor Set Up
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Marriott Foyer Exhibits Open
6:30 AM - 8:00 AM Marriott Ballroom IX-X Pre-Sessions Continental Breakfast

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM ` Pre-Sessions *$300.00 Fee

(Includes Breakfast & Lunch)

Marriott Ballroom I Engaging and Sustaining Business

Marriott Ballroom II
Marriott Ballroom III
Marriott Ballroom IV
Marriott Ballroom VII
Marriott Ballroom VIII
Involvement with your Career
Academy
Forward Thinking: The Nuts and
Bolts of Envisioning and Creating a
Career Academy
Taming the Master Schedule
Administrators and Teachers Need to
Know How to Use and Promote
Leadership Skills. Do You Have
These Skills?
Engaging Academy Students
Through Project Based Learning
Three Academies, One School -
Integration Implementation Best
Practices Maintaining School Unity

2:15 PM - 3:45 PM Marriott Ballroom V-VI Conference Opening

Featured Speaker
Neil Howe, Center for Strategic and International Studies

National Anthem
Sarah Sturgeon, Youth Performing Arts School and DuPont Manual High School

Color Guard
Cadets from JCPSs Valley High School Naval Junior ROTC.

4:00 PM - 5:15 PM Workshop-Session 1

Marriott Ballroom V-VI Roundtables
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Muhammad Ali Center Networking Reception/Cocktails/
(transportation provided) Awards

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 Program at a Glance
Friday, November 6th

7:00 AM 3:00 PM Marriott Foyer 2nd floor Registration Open

6:30 AM 8:30 AM Marriott Ballroom V-VI Continental Breakfast/Announcements
8:00 AM 5:00 PM Marriott Foyer Exhibits Open
7:15 AM 12:00 PM School and Local Business Site Visits
9:00 AM 10:15 AM Workshop-Session 2
10:30 AM 11:45 AM Workshop-Session 3

12:30 AM 2:00 PM Marriott Ballroom Lunch and Career Academy Awards

Drum Line
Central High School

Master of Ceremonies
Ellery Payne
Jefferson High School Alumni
University of Louisville Freshman
Louisville

Featured Speaker
Donna M. Hargens Ed.D., Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville

2:15 PM 3:30 PM Workshop-Session 4

3:45 PM 5:00 PM Workshop-Session 5
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Marriott Ballroom III Review Website Training
for Team Leaders & Teams
5:15 PM - 6:30 PM Marriott Ballroom X Career Academy Conversation -
(Invitation Only)
Saturday, November 7th

7:00 AM 12:00 PM Marriott Foyer 2nd floor Registration Open

8:00 AM 9:00 AM Marriott Ballroom V-VI Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM 12:00 PM Marriott Foyer Exhibits Open
9:15 AM 10:30 AM Workshop-Session 6
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM Workshop-Session 7
Consultancies and Planning
with an Academy Expert

12:00 PM - Conference Concludes

A special thank you to our Student Ambassadors who have served us throughout the
conference!

Metro Nashville Public Schools

Louisville Public Schools
Philadelphia Academies, Inc.
School District of Polk County
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 NCAC Networking Reception Entertainment
Muhammad Ali Center
Hog Operation has been
part of the Louisville
Bluegrass scene for the past
30 years performing around
Kentucky. Current members
are Steve Cooley (banjo),
Larry Raley (bass and
vocals), Mike Schroeder
(mandolin and violin) and
John Hawkins (guitar).
Steve, Larry and Mike
previously performed as part
of New Horizon and The
Galoots. Steve was also a member of The Dillards and was a Vanguard Recording Artist. Mike is the
founder of the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra.

They have released two CDs, New Litter, featuring all original music, and Nice Ham Bites, covering a
variety of bluegrass and country standards. Hog Operation will be providing some of the entertainment
during the Reception Thursday Evening at the Muhammad Ali Center.

Please be sure to sign up for this event.

The Louisville Leopard Percussionists

are a performing ensemble comprised
of 60+ student musicians ages 7-14,
who reside in 26 different Louisville zip
codes and attend 48 different schools
in and around Louisville, Kentucky.
They recently received national
attention when Jimmy Page, lead
singer of Led Zeppelin saw a YouTube
video of the Leopards playing a
medley of Zeppelin hits. That video,
originally uploaded last November, has
received more than 4 million views
since Page shared it. AND THEY WILL
BE AT NCACs reception!

Please sign up to join us to hear this fantastic group of student musicians.

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13
 THE NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE NCAC
MODEL ACADEMY AWARDS
The National Career Academy Coalition provides a review process for academies based on the ten Nation-
al Standards of Practice (NSOP). The review process involves a self-assessment by the academy and
then a visit from two reviewers who provide some technical assistance during the review. Upon completion
of the review, an academy is given a designation of In Progress, Certified, or Model. NCAC is pleased
to provide the Model Academy Awards to twenty academies that were reviewed between November 2014
and September 2015.

Stratford High School Academy of Sciences and Engineering

Stratford High School is a STEM magnet high school located in Nashville, Tennessee that uses the Smaller
Learning Community concept. The school is rich in tradition and has been a mainstay in the East Nashville
community. STEM magnet students partner with the top scientists, engineers, and mathematicians and
have the opportunity to job shadow with their academy partners. The Academy of Sciences and
Engineering equip their students with the skills necessary to be prepared for college and ready for a career
in the fields of engineering or any branch of science.

Stratford High School Academy of National Safety and Security Technologies

Since its opening in 1961, Stratford High School has maintained high expectations for its students and
celebrates the diversity of its student body. The Academy of National Safety and Security Technologies
seeks to prepare students for real world opportunities by helping them become globally aware and develop
skills in the latest technologies which allows them to attend college and pursue related careers.

Glencliff High School Ford Academy of Business and Innovation

Glencliff High School, located in Nashville, is one of the most diverse high schools in the state of
Tennessee. There are over 42 different nationalities and 26 languages represented in their student
population. The Ford Academy of Business and Innovation is a branded academy, meaning that the Ford
Corporation, including Ford Motor Credit Company and Ford, The Next Generation Learning, supports this
academy at a high enough level that they have named the academy. The Academy empowers its students
by encouraging them to creatively pursue their passions and to develop character through quality
instruction in a cooperative and supportive community.

Glencliff High School Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning

Glencliff High School views its diversity as a strength that allows them to provide an educational setting
that truly addresses a global society. The Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning teaches their
students to utilize resources and provides them with the skills to positively impact the community.

Hunters Lane High School Academy of Health and Human Services

The Academy of Health and Human Services is one of five academies at Hunters Lane High School, a
public high school in Nashville, Tennessee that had its first graduating class in 1987. The academy shares
faculty with the International Baccalaureate Academy. They both are known as the Humanitarians.
Students in the Academy of Health and Human Services study counseling and mental health, therapeutic
emergency services, and therapeutic services.

Hunters Lane High School Griffin Academy of Design and Technology

As part of Hunters Lane High School in Nashville, Tennessee, the Griffin Academy of Design and
Technology has Griffin Technology as their corporate naming partner. Academy students enter the
academy at the tenth grade level and study computer simulation and games, programming, digital arts and
design, electronic publishing, and web and multi-media management.
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 MODEL ACADEMY AWARDS
Overton High School Academy of Health Sciences
The Academy of Health Sciences at Overton High School in Nashville, Tennessee offers students
preparation for college and high demand, high wage careers. The academy provides project-based,
interdisciplinary learning that includes a service learning course or a senior capstone course with classes in
health science education, rehabilitative therapies, diagnostic medicine and therapeutic pharmacy.

Overton High School Academy of Information and Technology

Overton High School in Nashville, Tennessee, established in 1958, serves students in grades nine through
twelve and is considered the most diverse high school in the state. Students in the Academy of
Information and Technology study courses in computer programming, networking systems, web and
multimedia management. The academy partners with Bridgestone Americas, C3 Consulting, Deloitte,
Cornerstone Financial Credit Union, Caterpillar Financial, as well as Trevecca Nazarene University
Information Technology.

Cane Ridge High School Academy of Law

Cane Ridge High School is a public high school located in Antioch, Tennessee. The Academy of Law is
one of five academies at Cane Ridge High School and is a diverse academy specializing in and providing
students with work-based learning opportunities in law enforcement, personal finance and business
management. Academy students take classes in criminal justice, personal finance, and business
management among others. The academy partners with Davidson County Department of Juvenile Justice
and the Davidson County District Attorneys Office.

Whites Creek High School Academy of Alternative Energy, Sustainability & Logistics
Located in Whites Creek Tennessee, Whites Creek High School is a public high school and is a Cambridge
AICE school of smaller learning communities. The Academy of Alternative Energy and Sustainability &
Logistics provides learning opportunities to students so they can apply knowledge to real world problems
related to their future career by exploring the innovative technologies of alternative energy. The school
also provides academy students a college and career center.

Maplewood High School Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Maplewood High School is a public high school located in Nashville, Tennessee that provides thematic
career academies. As one of three school academies, the Academy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
exposes its students to diverse business entrepreneurial opportunities and empowers them to find their
passion through focusing their business interests in the fields of automotive repair, logistics, and personal
care. Academy students take Dave Ramseys Foundations in Personal Finance course and can start
their own simulated on-line company as part of the Capstone Virtual Enterprise Class.

Maplewood High School Academy of Sports Medicine and Wellness

Since Maplewood High School was opened in 1956 in Nashville it has built a rich tradition within its
community. The Academy of Sports Medicine and Wellness is part of this community. Academy students
learn about the big picture of public health. They are challenged to become Ambassadors to the
community in East Nashville. Academy students create public service announcements and develop skills
in communication to become political advocates for their community.

Pearl-Cohn High School Academy of Entertainment Communication

Pearl-Cohn High School is a public magnet high school located in Nashville, Tennessee with three
academies. It is the only entertainment magnet high school in the country. Students in the Academy of
Entertainment Communications develop the technical skills to operate the equipment for producing a
finished audio project in live performance and studio recordings. Music business training is also an integral
component for students of this academy. Pearl-Cohn High School is also the first school in the nation to
house a student-run recording label affiliated with a major record label.
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 MODEL ACADEMY AWARDS
West Boca Raton Community School Culinary Arts Academy
West Boca Raton Community School is an A + rated public high school located in Boca Raton, Florida and
is a wall to- wall academy school. The Culinary Arts Academy offers students an opportunity to train in all
areas of food preparation and service with much of their work being done in a state-of-the-art culinary
facility on premises. Academy students gain practical experience that will enhance their resumes and
prepare them for the food service industry. Their advisory board is very seasoned and has been involved
for over 12 years.

Kathleen Senior High School Central Florida Aerospace Academy

The Central Florida Aerospace Academy located at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida promotes
the lifelong learning experiences for its academy students through a combination of relevant academic
experiences with intense study in the aerospace field. It is one of only two aerospace academies in the
state of Florida. Students can earn a ground pilots license before graduating.

Summerlin Academy Leadership/ROTC

Located in Bartow, Florida, Summerlin Academy provides highly motivated students in grades nine through
twelve the opportunity to participate in a challenging comprehensive and rigorous college preparatory
curriculum. The Leadership/ROTC academy features a military-style approach to develop leaders of
principle. The academys unique electives create a program of study that challenge the mind, strengthens
the body, builds character and instills the confident attitude needed for future careers.

Chamberlain High School Culinary Operations Academy

Located on the campus of Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida, the Culinary Operations Academy
opened its doors in 2002. The academy has over 100 students participating in a rigorous curriculum that
focuses on the food service/hospitality industry. The academy provides an Outback Caf on campus with
the support of their partner, Outback Steakhouse.

Northeast High School Academy of Finance

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida and housed at Northeast High School, the Academy of Finance
(affiliated with the National Academy Foundation) began in 2003 to prepare students for careers in
business and finance with challenging courses in the financial industry. The academy has an on-going
relationship with corporate executives, school personnel, parents and students that result in paid
internships, scholarships and diverse employment opportunities. This academy has attained dual
recognition as a NAF Distinguished Academy and NCAC Model Academy.

Waipahu High School Academy of Natural Resources

Waipahu High School is a smaller learning community located in Waipahu, Hawaii. Academy students
enter the academies in their junior year of high school. There are six pathways in the school. The
Academy of Natural Resources prepares its students to become environmentally conscious citizens who
practice environmental stewardship throughout their lifetime. Partnering projects for the academy include
aquaculture and aquaponics.

Waipahu High School Academy of Health and Sciences

The Academy of Health and Sciences is located on the smaller learning community campus of Waipahu
High School in Waipahu, Hawaii. The school also features an Early College campus for students. The
Academy of Health and Sciences produces competent, compassionate, professional students who are
prepared to meet the challenges of health services and forensic science. Clinical health and medical
biotechnology are part of an academy students course of study. Students in the Biotechnology program of
study have a unique and impressive partnership with Rutgers University in New Jersey.

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SPECIAL AWARDS

Jeffrey N. Stein Award

NCAC recognizes a career academy school that demonstrated an extraordinary

commitment to career academies as the change agent for disadvantaged
students and has sustained this passion over time.

In the spirit of the late Jeffrey N. Stein whose greatest pleasure was teaching
disadvantaged high school youth, NCAC proudly recognizes this years award
winner as a resilient, extraordinary champion of the career academy model and
the power it has on the outcomes for students.

NCAC Exemplary Educator Award

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 PRE-SESSION SCHEDULE
Thursday November 5 8:00 AM2:00 PM

ENGAGING AND SUSTAINING BUSINESS will be shared and participants will take home some
INVOLVEMENT WITH YOUR CAREER ACADEMY examples of planning documents they can utilize.
Room: Marriott Ballroom I
Ms. Susan Katzman Past-President of NCAC
Career academies are a unique school reform model Dr. Daniel Wallace Program Consultant for
with one critical element being the active NCAC
participation of the business and college
communities. This involvement centers around both TAMING THE MASTER SCHEDULE
the governing responsibility through an advisory Room: Marriott Ballroom III
board and the work-based learning engagement of
mentoring, shadowing, field experiences, classroom A master schedule can make or break Academy
presentations, internships and special programs. implementation. How can we best assure a master
This pre-session draws upon the unique experiences schedule that supports both Academy student
of the Pencil Foundation, a nonprofit organization cohorts and Academy teacher common planning
linking community resources of both volunteers and time? This session features best practices in
materials with the Metro Nashville Public Schools developing a school-wide master schedule that
and the career academy leadership from the supports Academies and other small learning
Nashville schools. Participants will learn strategies communities. Participants will:
for recruiting and motivating businesspersons, for
advisory board and programmatic engagement and Increase knowledge and understanding of
for measuring return on investment (ROI) and the importance of effective master schedule
recognition opportunities. Presenters will share practice in supporting Academy programs
proven strategies and various procedures and forms of study, "pure" Academy student
that can be utilized within your own community. cohorts, interdisciplinary teaching and l
earning, equity and access, flexible use of
Dr. Chaney Mosley Director Academies of time, and communities of practice
Nashville Metro Nashville Public Schools (common planning time for Academy teacher
Mr. Matt Seaton Vice-President for Partnerships teams)
and Programs Pencil Foundation
Nashville, TN Learn about the importance of a master
schedule team approach and master
FORWARD THINKING: THE NUTS AND BOLTS schedule guiding principles
OF ENVISIONING AND CREATING A CAREER
ACADEMY Learn more about the Stages and Steps of
Room: Marriott Ballroom II the Master Scheduling Process and related
best practices
If you are just getting started with career academies,
design them with the future in mind! The demands of Increase expertise, efficiency, and
the 21st Century learning and work environments effectiveness in building a successful Master
mandate academy designs that are forward thinking. Schedule
This pre-session will use the ten National Standards
of Practice (NSOP) as ways to organize academy Acquire valuable tools and resources to
visioning, design and implementation. The NSOP support effective master scheduling
range from academy design and structure to
governing to teaching and learning. Practical advice

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Patricia Clark Director for Learning and Teaching
Phil Saroyan Master Schedule Technical
Assistance Coordinator
College & Career Academy Support Network
UC Berkeley, CA
experience. This session will discuss examples of
career academy projects, detail a design process
you can use for engaging students and integrating
multiple subjects and build 21st century skills that will
prepare students for college and careers.

ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS NEED TO Jennifer Cruz Director of Systemic

KNOW HOW TO USE AND PROMOTE Partnerships Buck Institute for Education
LEADERSHIP SKILLS. DO YOU HAVE THESE
SKILLS? THREE ACADEMIES, ONE SCHOOL
Room: Marriott Ballroom IV INTEGRATION IMPLEMENTATION BEST
PRACTICES WHILE MAINTAINING SCHOOL
Leadership is so important for a career academy to UNITY
be effectively implemented and Room: Marriott Ballroom VIII
sustained. Administrators and teachers need to
become adept at using key influence strategies to This presentation will include an overview of how
create the energy needed to promote strong one school utilizes their common planning time to
enduring academies. Techniques will be taught in collaborate with community partners to develop
this session to put a leadership structure in place integrated projects. Presenters will provide
that will survive overall academy, school and district information on how MHHS Career Academies
changes in leadership and promote sustainability of develop integrations and provide sample documents
the academy. Attendees will walk away with plans to assist other schools with planning.
and ideas that can be used at their schools.
Brigitte Shipman Academy Coordinator
Joe DiMartino President Center for Secondary Tom Chentnik CAB Academy Lead/Band
School Redesign Director
Jan Struebing School Change Coach Center for Cathy Beckham HHS Teacher/Internship
Secondary School Redesign Instructor
Carol English ACME Social Studies Teacher
ENGAGING ACADEMY STUDENTS THROUGH Jennifer Seaman Digital Learning and Work
PROJECT BASED LEARNING Permit Instructor in HHS/English Certified
Room: Marriott Ballroom VII Alecia Czanstkowski HHS Academy Leader/
Med Pro Ed Instructor
Doing a project is not the same as Project Based Mountain Home High School
Learning. Effective projects feature eight elements Mountain Home, AR
that ensure they are the main course of curriculum
and instruction, not the dessert. Career academies
draw upon the strength of project based learning to
integrate academic disciplines and to illustrate for
students how learning can be woven for a more
complete picture that leaves a lasting learning

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 FRIDAY TOURS 7:15 AM12:00 PM
THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY PLANT

Ford Motor Company has been a part of Louisville since 1913. Louisville Assembly Plant opened their
doors on Fern Valley Road in 1955 and is now the top volume plant in North America producing the Ford
Escape and Lincoln MKC. Over 1400 vehicles are produced on a daily basis. During the plant tour, you will
learn about the Ford history in Louisville Kentucky. You will then take a tram tour of the 3.5 Million Square
Foot facility. On this tour you will enjoy watching the assembly of the vehicle from sheet metal to starting
the vehicle for the first time. You will then visit our simulated factory to get a feel for what it is like to work
on the assembly line. This is a great opportunity to experience the current work force needs and the 21 st
century skills required to be successful in Advanced Manufacturing. You will also gain a deeper knowledge
about the partnership between Louisville Assembly Plant with JCPS schools through job shadows and
teacher externships.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF KENTUCKIANA

Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana serves almost 90% of all regional students with its deep-impact,
experiential programs JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Students experience the first day of the very first
job of their lives at JA BizTown, where the fifth-grade students are not old enough to drive or vote, but they
work together in various job functions to run their own companies. At JA Finance Park, middle and high
school students receive family scenarios, complete with career, job title, marital and family status, income,
existing savings, and existing debt. They must make budgeting decisions to meet the needs of their family,
such as insurance, clothing, transportation, housing, groceries, and childcarewithout spending more than
they earn. The day-long simulations, preceded by 12 hours of preparatory classroom curriculum, allow
students to connect the dots of what they learn in school and the real world. Conference attendees will
tour both learning laboratories and will have the opportunity to observe students when they are fully
engaged in both simulations.

JEFFERSONTOWN BUILD AND DESIGN ACADEMIES (MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING

ACADEMIES)

The Build and Design academies at Jeffersontown High School are among the first career academies in
the Powered by Ford STEM Network. These academies have been adopted by Ford Motor Company as
part of larger strategy focused on strengthening its talent pipeline in the STEM fields. As members of the
Powered by Ford STEM Network these academies not only receive on-going professional development,
scholarship opportunities for students, and grants for materials and equipment; but also mentors from the
company based upon their chosen pathway. Interdisciplinary teacher teams from the Build and Design
academies at Jeffersontown High School are partnering with designers and engineers from Fords
Louisville Assembly Plant to develop projects based upon scenarios faced in the plant. The Powered by
Ford STEM Academies at Jeffersontown High School are extraordinary examples of student-centered
community and business partnerships.

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 FRIDAY TOURS 7:15 AM12:00 PM
MEDICAL ARTS PROGRAM AT MOORE HIGH SCHOOL

The Medical Arts program at Moore Traditional School is a foundation for 21 st Century learning and part of
the Jefferson County Public Schools Five Star Career Themes. The program is supported by an advisory
council made up of medical professionals and local businesses including Norton Health Care, Kentucky
One Healthcare, the Greater Louisville Medical Society, as well as many others from the local healthcare
community. Students involved in the medical arts program learn in a state of the art facility that includes
traditional classroom space as well as working labs. The focus of the curriculum is on preparing students
for the successful transition to the workforce or post-secondary education. The curricular focus on STEM
education leads to pathways in biomedical science, pre-nursing, pharmacy, EKG and sports
medicine. Currently students have the opportunity to become fully certified as a pharmacy technician,
EKG technician, or certified nursing assistant.

HUMAN SERVICES (LAW/GOVERNMENT SERVICE, FIRE, POLICE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL

SERVICES) AT FAIRDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Professionals who work in legal and public-service fields are in extremely high demand, according to
Federal Jobs Net. The federal government will have to hire nearly 193,000 people to fill critical jobs in the
fields during the next several years. Fairdale students are getting ready for these career opportunities by
studying the law and social issues and by receiving firefighting, police, and emergency medical services
(EMS) training. Special projects give students real-world skills and experiences that make their rsums
stand out. Fairdale also offers heavy equipment science studies. In this program, students learn about
the operation of heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and frontend loaders.
Fairdales program focuses on obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and on equipment repair
and maintenance.

SOUTHERN HIGH SCHOOL MAGNET CAREER ACADEMY

If you are looking at ways to build your advisory board, engage business professionals and expand work-
based learning opportunities - a visit to Southern High School Magnet Career Academy, located in
Louisville, KY will be a strong pre-session choice. Southerns NAF Academy of Finance partners with
Class Act Federal Credit Union with an on-site facility that provides work-based learning opportunities and
internships to Southern students. This visit will include a presentation on WBL, followed by hands-on
opportunities to engage with students as they work in the credit union; observation/participation in an
advisory board meeting, and an overview of the NAF model for career and college readiness.

21
 Workshop Schedule
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 SESSION ONE 4:00 PM5:15 PM
PANEL: Career Pathways, Presidential
Politics and Philanthropy: National Policy
Experts Address Education and Workforce
Trends
Room: Skybox
There is no question about it - Career Technical
Education (CTE), career academies and career
pathways are in the national spotlight! With the
2014 passage of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the pending
reauthorizations of Perkins Career and Technical
Education Act, the Higher Education Act and the
Elementary and Secondary Education, federal
policymakers and the philanthropy community
are prioritizing workforce and education policies
and issues. States are turning attention to career
pathways, particularly as they plan for WIOAs
2016 implementation. There is growing
momentum to focus more on the and in college
and career readiness. And there is a call for a
more intentional link between education and
workforce - including an expansion of education-
employer partnerships - and increased attention
on industry credentials. All of the trending issues
clearly can benefit from and link to career
academies. This panel of national experts will
share their views and perspectives on these
timely topics, as well as pull out their crystal balls
and share their thoughts on the wide array of
presidential candidates and reveal if any have
taken positions on CTE or career academies. A
session not to miss!
Moderator: Kim Green Executive Director
NASDCTEc
Steve Casa Executive Director, NCAC
Rick Delano Ford NGL Advocate National
Team
Brad Stam Vice President ConnectED
Dale Winkler Assistant to Senior VP at
SREB
Steve DeWitt Deputy Executive Director
Association for Career & Technical Education
(ACTE)
22
Business Partnerships: Essential Building
Blocks to Successful Academies
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 7,8
Engaging business and post-secondary partners
is essential to the overall efficiency of the
academy structure. These partnerships must be
handled effectively to yield best results for
student learning. This presentation will explain
proven strategies to manage partnerships and
incorporate these relationships seamlessly into
the academy structure. Participants will walk
away with a deeper understanding of meaningful
partnerships and integration strategies to
enhance the educational experience for
students.
Dr. Susan Kessler Executive Principal
Brad Meyers Academy Coach
Dr. Scheniquah King Academy Principal
Hunters Lane High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
There's More to Healthcare than M.D.
Room: Grandstand
NSOP: 8
Madison County Schools formed a partnership
with St. Dominic Hospital to design and deliver
an innovative ninth grade career fair that
highlighted several healthcare occupations as
well as occupations found in the other 15
national career clusters. This presentation will
highlight the partnership and planning necessary
to provide quality career exploration to high
school students through a career fair sponsored
by business and industry.
Dr. Aimee Brown CTE Director/Career
Academy Coordinator Freshman Academy
Edith Mitchell Associate Superintendent
Madison County Schools
Ridgeland, MS
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE
Leveraging STEM Partnerships and Strong
Leadership for Model Academies
Room: Marriott IV
NSOP:
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE
Diversity is Our Strength
Room: Marriott II
Discover how two Academies from Tennessees
most diverse school achieved Model status. Why
Model status? Its all about opening doors for
your students and creating opportunities for
success. Practical advice will be shared and high
points of the accreditation process will be
covered.
Clint Wilson Executive Principal
Pam Walker Academy Coach
Jonathan Hall Academy Principal
Lucy Prestwood Co-Lead/Pathway Teacher
Adam Guidry Co-Lead/Pathway Teacher
Academy of Environmental & Urban Planning
Nick Wilson Academy Principal
Jacqueline Tingle Co-Lead/Pathway Teacher
Melissa Peck Co-Lead Teacher
Ford Academy of Business & Innovation
Glencliff High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
23
Millennial Students Dig Deeper with Neil Howe
Room: Marriott VII
Join Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL)
millennials as they facilitate a question and
answer session with LifeCourse President and
Founder Neil Howe following his keynote
presentation. Neil will take questions and help
unfold additional details on the Millennial and
GenX generations. Learn more about how to
engage these stakeholders in the academy
model and why this will likely be an easy sell!
Neil Howe Founder and President
Life Course Associates
Cheryl Carrier Executive Director
Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL)
Jefferson County Student Ambassadors
Louisville, KY
Tools for Successful Academy
Partnerships: Engage! Develop! Sustain!
Room: Marriott 9
NSOP: 8
In this session we will showcase promising
practices at work in local communities in
Kentucky and around the country that have
driven strategic work-based learning outcomes
for students, deepened engagement for
businesses and industry partners, and provided
services that have benefitted the community-at-
large. During the session, data and tools that
drive the success of these partnerships will be
shared and discussed. Partnerships that deliver
on outcomes important to both the schools and
businesses must be cultivated and
supported. The following core elements will
anchor this presentation: Engagement,
Development, and Sustainability.
Dee Chambliss NAF Region 3 Director
Tari Young Firmware Development Manager
Lexmark
Tom Anonson Executive Vice President
Class Act Credit Union
How are Middle School Students Being Prepared Elizabeth Simpson Pre-engineering STEM
for the High School Academies? Academy
Room: Clubhouse Greco Middle School
NSOP: 1-10 Enid Wilson Robotics Engineering Academy
McLane Middle School
Come meet the lead teachers of three middle school Daniel Mills STEM Aerospace Engineering
academies in Hillsborough County, Florida. Learn Academy
what their academies look like, how they are unique Madison Middle School
and how they are preparing them for the transition to Hillsborough County Schools Tampa, FL
the high school academies. Join the discussion
about the possibility of flexible and exploratory
standards for a middle school academy.

PLEASE NOTE!!!!!!

You may be photographed and the photos may be used publicly

to continue to support the mission of NCAC. If you do not wish
to be photographed, please notify the registration desk.

24
 Roundtables
4:00 PM5:15 PM Facilitator Dan Wallace
Workarounds in IT
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 1
NSOP: 6,7,8
The Academy of Information Technology at John
Overton High School is the only one of its kind in
Metro Nashville Public Schools. We have spent a lot
of time to have sophisticated and up-to-date
technology within our school in order to
accommodate the growing demand for IT talent. Our
session will share best practices on how we have
worked with district leaders, business partners, and
higher education partners to overcome the
challenges we have faced to bring the most relevant
and up-to-date technology to our school.
Pamela Honarvar Technology Teacher
Matthew Kuhlman Technology Teacher
Academy of Information Technology
John Overton High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Building the Ambassador Brand
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 2
NSOP: 5
From student tours to community presentations,
your students are a key ingredient in the Academy
recipe. This round-table discussion will offer tips and
tricks on how to turn your student leaders into
Academy Ambassadors.
Julie Bryan Assistant Principal
Lauren Winemiller Counselor
The Academies @ Jefferson City
Jefferson City Public Schools, MO
Developing a College and Career Going Culture greatest strategic needs of the Rockford Public
in Our Academies
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 3
NSOP: 1,2,7,8
We can work on Academy structure; we can work
on Academy instruction; but if we don't also work on developed business site visits for teachers and
Academy culture, culture pulls us back.
In this session, participants will explore research- engagement within the schools, created relevance
based strategies for developing a strong college and
career going culture within an Academy and ways to
support all our students in becoming college and
career ready.
Patricia Clark Director for Learning and
Teaching
College & Career Academy Support Network
UC Berkeley, CA
Using PBL in CTE to Support the Academy
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 4
NSOP: 7,8
Come to the presentation to learn the process and
tools being used to develop PBL (project-based
learning) for academies and CTE programs. SREB
for the past two year has worked with teachers in
CTE programs and academies developing PBL
projects on CTE programs and/or academies. The
standards based projects are designed to be
authentic and engaging where students master the
technical standards of their chosen academy and
the embedded academic college and career ready
standards.
Sandy Culotta Manager Project Based
Learning
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
Community Engagement through Business Site
Visits
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 5
NSOP: 2, 5, 7, 8
Alignment Rockford is a collective impact
organization that aligns community resources to the
Schools. The organization that works to develop
strategies and pilot programs to raise student
achievement, improve the health and happiness of
our children, and advance the economic and social
well-being of our community. Alignment Rockford
students. These have led to better business
25
between careers and curriculum for both teachers STEAM Powered: A PBL Extravaganza
and students, and now serve as a benchmark for Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 8
college and career readiness. NSOP: 4,5,7,9

Bridget French Executive Director This session will present their award-winning
Alignment Rockford Maplewood Martians, detailing the infusion of art
David Carson Executive Director College & into an advanced STEM curriculum, culminating in a
Career Readiness visceral, forward-thinking learning experience.
College & Career Academies of Rockford Attendees will gain insight into not only the PBL
Rockford, IL (project based learning) process but the next
generation of STEM experiential learning, which
Leadership for Systemic Project-Based Learning applies a rich art curriculum and marries both left
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 6 and right brain learning. Attendees will also learn
NSOP: 5,6,7 about the modified PBL rubric which includes the
seamless infusion of science, technology,
Learn how administrators and instructional leaders engineering, art and math.
create professional learning for systemic use of
project-based learning. Examine large-scale Ryan B. Jackson, Ed.D Assistant Principal
implementation in an urban district that can also be Mike Mitchell Teacher Art & Sculpture
applied to suburban and rural districts. Co-construct Angela Lake CTE Teacher Power and
goals for project-based learning instruction with the Distribution
presenters through a distributive leadership The Academy of Energy & Power
framework. Maplewood High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Kelly Henderson Executive Director of
Instruction Using the Career Academy Curriculum Database
Todd Wigginton Director of Instruction in Project Based Learning
Carrie Whittaker Coordinator of Instructional Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 9
Projects NSOP: 7
Academies of Nashville
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN After an introduction to CCASN resources,
participants will dive into using the curriculum
Constantly Evolving; Implementation of database to find project-based curriculum
Academies in an Alternative Setting resources. Working with sample performance tasks,
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 7 and an outline of a process for developing
NSOP: 2,4,5,7,9 performance-based and standards-aligned
instruction and assessment for project-based
Roosevelt Community Education Center is a tier 3 curriculum, participants will identify possible linchpin
credit recovery high school. We are starting year content. They will use a planning tool to work two
three of academies and have learned many valuable scenarios: 1) supporting an academic core subject-
lessons. Outcomes include: curriculum alignment area teacher to connect with PBL to the career
for maximum student achievement, involvement of theme of an academy; and 2) finding resources that
academy support team and utilization of community an interdisciplinary team could use to develop
resources, successful implementation of academies integrated project-based curriculum around a
for at-risk students, improving outcomes for at-risk particular thematic topic.
students, branding and marketing for success and
building a servant leadership culture. Annie Johnson Coordinator of Public
Programs
Dr. Heidi Houy Principal College & Career Academy Support Network
Jennifer Carson College & Career Readiness UC Berkeley, CA
Counselor
Roosevelt Community Education Center
Rockford Public Schools, IL
26
Engaging Students, the Community, and
Business Partners for a Successful PBL
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 10
NSOP: 7,8
This session will inform participants how to
formulate and create PBL (project-based learning)
that will engage students. The PBL will have a
pathway theme that enlists the needs of the
business partners while also addressing the
academic standards needing to be taught to the
students. Areas that will be addressed include
hands-on experiences providing public speaking
opportunities for students and community
engagement.
Tobey Mayfield Green Academy Lead
Jeff Davis Academy Principal
Academy of National Safety Securities Technology
(NSST)
Stratford STEM Magnet High School
Metro Nashville Schools, TN
Better Together: Career Themes and Core
Academic Subjects
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 11
NSOP: 4,5,8,10
In this workshop, members from the Academies of
Antioch High, a large, diverse public high school in
Nashville, TN recognized for its innovative practices
and exceptional student growth, will give attendees
a solid foundation upon which to begin or improve
integration of career themes within academic
classes.
Andrew Molloy AATD Academy Lead & English
Teacher
Academy of Automotive Technology & Design
Antioch High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
A New Look at Hats: Embedding Critical
Thinking Skill Development in the Academy
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 12
NSOP: 1,5,7,9
The 21st Century Learner needs to be able to think importance of community and business partners,
critically and problem solve effectively. Learn how a establishing and growing successful partnerships,
business partner taught an entire academy to use
the six thinking hats as a mechanism for building
thinking skills. Participants will be introduced to the
Six Thinking Hats and learn ways to use them in
content and CTE pathway classes, team and
advisory board meetings, and personal decision-
making.
Laura Lee Morin Academy Principal
Lynne Maynor Director of Training Gaylord
Opryland
Academy of Hospitality and Finance
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Watch that Hedgehog: Using the Academy
Model to Drive the Data Team Process
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 13
NSOP: 1,5,7,9
The academy model provides a structure that allows
teachers to work collaboratively with data. However,
many teams struggle with how to use data
effectively to improve student achievement
outcomes. This workshop will show participants how
to do so by developing a model embedded in
academy teams. Topics will include the purpose of a
data team, its composition, and its focus.
Participants will learn a step by step process that
guides the work of a data team through analyzing
student assessments and student work to
strategically using the results in academy teams to
address gaps in student learning.
Laura Vignon Teacher
Paula Barkley Instructional Specialist for
Career Academies
McGavock High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Building Partnerships That Benefit Students,
Teachers, and the Community
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 14
NSOP: 6,8
Hillwood High School and the Hospital Corporation
of America (HCA) have built a mutually beneficial
partnership that has continuously evolved over the
past six years, culminating in the construction of a
state-of-the-art health science lab. The session will
address many essential topics including: the
and opportunities these partnerships can provide to
students.
27
Trip Nicholson Academy Coach
Dr. Steve Chauncy Executive Principal
Lora Hickman Team Leader/Health Science
Teacher Academy of Health Science
Hillwood High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Teamwork: Making Learning Relative to
Students Through The Use Of Collaboration
Between Non-CTE Teachers And CTE Teachers
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 15
NSOP: 2,4,5,7
During a school year, non-CTE teachers may find it
difficult to integrate the academy theme within their
lessons. Additionally, non-CTE teachers may find
integrating the academy theme as one more thing to
do in a classroom where there is already great
emphasis placed on high stakes testing. In this
session, participants will gain knowledge on how
collaboration between CTE teachers and non-CTE
teachers takes place in integrating the academy
theme into lessons. Participants will also view how
the use of an adopted PLC model helps in
developing and supporting teachers in the
collaboration process. Finally, participants will see
how Google docs are used for lesson plan sharing
during times when the team is not meeting.
Marvin Olige Academy Principal
Megan Lawrence CTE teacher
Dawn Thomas CTE teacher
Mocha Talmadga Science teacher
Academy of Sports Medicine and Wellness
Maplewood High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Academy Infusion: NGSS, STEM and GLOBE
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 16
NSOP: 7
Participants will explore hands-on science through
the lens of Global Learning and Observation to
Benefit the Environment (GLOBE)
protocols. Student engagement, data collection
through meaningful science practices result from the Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
infusion of GLOBE protocols into typical academy
science and CTE courses. NGSS are explored in
the true spirit of STEM education. This workshop
allows participants to perform meaningful hands-on
activities which connect learning to science
education.
28
Tracy Ostrom Teacher Special Projects
College & Career Academy Support Network
Renewable Energy & Environmental Technology
Skyline High School
Oakland, CA
GRIT
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 17
NSOP: 7,9
In this unique session, attendees will be provided
with recent research from an urban high school and
how students perceive grit. The outcome of the
research indicates what staff can do to improve grit
in all students as they prepare for college and
careers.
Mary Reece Teacher
Benson High School
Omaha Public Schools, NE
From Externship to the Classroom
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 18
NSOP: 5,7
This session will engage the participants in the
creation of a strategic plan to design effective and
outcome driven externships. Presenters will include
a business partner, school-based externship
coordinator, and a national PBL trainer, so that
participants can understand their perspectives and
involvement at the various preparation levels of a
quality externship. Presenters will share methods
used to gain teachers voice and academic needs, a
timeline detailing preparation and high quality
outcomes.
Sonya Mansfield Ross Academy Coach / MNPS
Lead Coach
Tanya Parker St. Thomas Health, Student
Placement Coordinator
Academy of Sports Medicine and Wellness,
Academy of Business and Consumer Services, and
Academy of Energy and Power
Maplewood High School
Todd Wigginton MNPS Director of Instruction /
Buck Institute for Education
National Faculty - PBL Trainer
Building Bridges With Your Community &
Business Partners
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 19
NSOP: 7,8
In this round-table discussion specific ideas will be
discussed on making connections, growing support,
and maintaining involvement with your community
and business partners. Join us as we share how
partners are involved in curriculum development
and are personally engaged in the educational
environment. Learn the importance of having key
community leaders enlisted in order to build support
for your academies.
Debbie Strope Fellows Coach and Academy
Business Partner Liaison
Ken Enloe Business Partner
The Academies @ Jefferson City High School
Jefferson City Public Schools, MO
How a Robot Named Spartabot Built a
Community
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 20
NSOP: 6,7,8
During the past three years Stratford has
participated in the FIRST Robotics challenge. This
event combines the talents and skills of business
and community partners, with the enthusiasm of
students and the commitment of teachers and
administrators as they team to build and compete
with - a robot. The session will discuss how this
was achieved.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 SESSION TWO 9:00 AM10:15 AM
PANEL
Meaningful Community Support Why and
How
Room: Skybox
Hear from key stakeholders in the Louisville
community about why they embraced the academy
model. What role did they play in bringing the right
people to the table to develop and implement their
career academy network? What are the benefits of
them coming to the table and what must districts do
to ensure they stay engaged? What challenges are
they facing and how are they overcoming them?
Dr. Janet Wallace Academy Principal
Dr. Jennifer Berry Academy Coach
The Academy of Science and Engineering
Stratford STEM Magnet High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Utilizing Post-Secondary Partners to Ensure
Success
Room: Marriott Ballroom Table 21
NSOP: 8
Participants will learn about an innovative approach
to incorporating post-secondary partnerships. The
CTE teacher did not feel equipped to teach the
pharmacological science course. Our partnering
university, Lipscomb College of Pharmacy stepped
in and helped develop curriculum and co-taught the
course. Participants will learn how to implement a
similar program at their school and how this is a win
-win for both the high school and college.
Mary York Academy Coach
Denise Wigginton CTE Teacher
Academy of Health Sciences
John Overton High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Having an engaged community supports the
development, implementation and sustainability of
an academy network in a community. It also
ensures that community resources are aligned to
the needs of the academies in the district.
Moderator: Cheryl Carrier Executive Director
Ford Next Generation Learning Ford (NGL)
Kristin Wingfield Coordinator School
Business Partnerships
Jefferson County Public Education Foundation
Debra Hoffer President Junior Achievement
Tony Peyton Program Officer The C.E. and S.
Foundation Louisville Community, KY
29
Love 'Em or Leave 'Em: An Academy Embraces
Its Own
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 1,10
What do you do as a team when you have
exhausted the pyramid of interventions you
developed and you still have students who are
failing? This workshop will answer the question.
Participants will learn how to confront the issues
surrounding flagged students with brutal honesty,
so they can develop a realistic and sustainable plan
for them. Continuous improvement sometimes
requires a reboot.
David Hubbell Academy Principal
Jacob Glancy Team Lead/English Teacher
Academy of Aviation and Transportation
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
How To Implement A Cost Effective, Neutral
Wall To Wall Academy Model With Industry
Certifications
Room: Clubhouse
NSOP: 2,7,8
Studies show that students in an academy setting
outperform other students. An academy model was
adopted at Clearwater, which functions as Small
Leaning Communities centered on key interest
areas of students. This academy environment
offers each student more personalized attention,
recognition and care from teachers, staff, and
peers. Integral to this approach is the interest and
career-themed approach designed to engage all
students with learning that is rigorous and relevant,
preparing them for college-level or post-high school
work through the context of their interests. In this
session, leaders from Clearwater High School will
share how to effect a paradigm shift from a
traditional secondary school to a progressive school
wide academy model with industry certification
opportunities that infuse rigor, relevance, and
relationships.
Keith Mastorides Principal
Taylor Henderson Assistant Principal
Clearwater High School,
Clearwater, FL
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE
Making the Move to Model Academy
Room: Marriott IV
NSOP: Model 1-10
Achieving model status as an academy is a
collaborative effort that calls for supreme utilization
of the ten National Standards of Practice. In this
session, two of our model academies, Design &
Technology and Health & Human Services will
describe useful strategies to ensure that your
academy is operating at the highest level.
Specifically the academy teams will present some
of the areas the reviewers found very positive,
including successful strategies to integrate business
partners, promote student ownership and create a
whole school culture necessary for sustainable
academy progress.
Dr. Susan Kessler Executive Principal
Brad Meyers Academy Coach
Melissa Brooks Team Leader
Jason Profitt Team Leader
Hunters Lane High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Scheduling for Transformation
Room: Marriott VII
NSOP: 2,4,5,6,7
The complexities of building an academy master
schedule can be overwhelming, especially for those
with little or no master scheduling experience. This
workshop provides participants with the
understanding of how educational philosophy is just
as important as planning and process when
developing an academy master schedule.
Participants will also develop a timeline and plan to
assist with the creation of an academy master
schedule
Kelly Henderson Executive Director of
Instruction
Academies of Nashville
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Creating Accountability Structures in Career
Academies
Room: Marriott IX
NSOP: 9
Executing the academy model with fidelity requires
a commitment from many stakeholders including
30
teachers, administrators, partners, and
students. With so many people accomplishing
different tasks, tracking information around student
experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and other
things can be a daunting task. In this workshop, we
will address strategies to capture data and track
from year to year that can be used to improve the
performance of any academy. Participants will
receive access to data tracking devices that can be
implemented in their own schools.
Chaney Mosley Director
Beverley Flatt Program Manager
Academies of Nashville
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Teaching as if ALL our Academy Students are
Honors Students
Room: Marriott I
NSOP: 2,6,7
Jaime Escalante and others have shown that all
students are capable of excellence. What if instead
of sorting students into honors and non-honors, we
taught all our Academy students as if they were
honors students. This session explores best
practices in Academy teaching and learning as well
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 SESSION THREE 10:30 AM11:45 AM
PANEL
Administrative Support for Academies
Room: Skybox
NSOP: 1-10
Without strong administrative support, academies
cannot succeed in meeting the National Standards
of Practice (NSOP). In this session, three
administrators with describe their experiences and
share strategies for supporting and sustaining
academies. Each presenter will share how
different challenges are addressed and the ways
success is celebrated and publicized. Come with
your ideas and questions.
Moderator: Susan Tidyman State & Regional
Coordinator College & Career Academy Support
Network
UC Berkeley, CA
Keith Mastorides Principal
Clearwater High School Clearwater, FL
as strategies such as embedded honors, honors by
exhibition, and incorporating AP within academies.
Patricia Clark Director for Learning and
Teaching
College & Career Academy Support Network
UC Berkeley, CA
Meeting Common Core Through Project-Based
Learning
Room: Marriott III
NSOP: 7
Using specific academy projects, teachers will
demonstrate how project-based learning helps meet
changing teaching demands of the Common
Core. Teachers will provide examples of projects
and related academic assignments used to support
the projects that develop the analytical thinking that
many of the new state tests are assessing.
Heather Fontanilla Administrator
Natasha Paul Teacher
Digital Safari Academy
Mt. Diablo High School
Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Concord, CA
Brian Shumate Superintendent
Medford School District Medford, OR
Heidi Huoy Principal
Roosevelt Community Education Center
Rockford Public Schools Rockford, IL
Healthy Community Connections
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 7
The Health Science Academy from Auburn High
School will share the process through which they
launched two initiatives to improve fitness and
wellness. They will share how students developed
ideas for projects, the staff and community
reviewed and approved two projects, and the
outcome of those projects. One project resulted in
a selfie campaign being launched to promote
exercise, while the other culminated in a two mile
family fun walk and health fair. Both were provided
extensive support by the local YMCA. Participants
31
will be able to use this process to transform student
ideas into tangible outcomes.
Jay Larson Academy Coach
Andrew Smith HS Academy Team Leader
(teacher)
Melinda Cattell HS Academy Counselor
Health Sciences Academy Auburn High School
Rockford Public Schools, IL

Using a Career Cluster Lens to Foster

Personalized Learning
Room: Clubhouse
NSOP: 4,5,7,9

A vision became reality after attending our first

National Career Academy Coalition conference in
November, 2011. After only four years, we have
graduated two groups of Healthcare Academy
students. This presentation will take participants on
our journey in bringing one of the fastest-growing
and sustainable industries in the world to life for
high school students. Well-crafted essential
questions provide the framework for true curricular
integration while community partnerships enhance
student learning. Although we have much to
celebrate, we have not been immune to the growing
pains often experienced when implementing a new
program. We look forward to sharing our journey.
Jennifer Tarcin Healthcare Academy
Coordinator
Denise Killian-Janicek Family & Consumer
Science Teacher
Beth Larson English Teacher
Dana Kopatich Science Teacher
Menomonee Falls High School
Menomonee, WI
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE
From Good to Great: The Journey to Model
Academy
Room: Marriott IV
NSOP: 1-10
NCAC MODEL ACDEMY SHOWCASE
The ABCs of a Model Academy
Room: Marriott II
NSOP: 1-10
Two model academies from Polk County, Florida
will share tips on building, supporting and
sustaining high quality career academies. You will
hear from Kathleen Senior High Schools Central
Florida Aerospace Academy. Staff will discuss
features the reviewers found unique: their strong
advisory board, freshmen orientation and the ability
of students to earn a pilot ground license before
graduating. You will also hear from Summerlin High
Schools Leadership/ROTC Academy staff.
Reviewers were impressed with how leadership
was woven throughout the academy and the ways
in which students were engaged in dual enrollment,
languages and honors courses through the
Academy. Both schools will stress active student
engagement, Best practices that fit and continuous
improvement as the normthe ABCs.
Greg Cress Lead Teacher
Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Kathleen Senior High School Lakeland, FL
Laura Webster Lead Teacher
Summerlin Academy Leadership/ROTC
Bartow High School
Bartow, FL

32
Reducing 9th Grade Retentions: Waggener
High Schools Freshman Academy Approach
Room: Marriott VII
NSOP: 1,2,7,9
Administrators and teachers in Waggener High
Schools Freshman Academy will share the myriad
of interventions that enabled the team to achieve a
98% promotion rate for last years freshman
class. Presenters will share school-wide supports
such as Advisory and Extended School Day
programs as well as Academy-specific
interventions such as a Freshman Summer Bridge
Program, Family Meetings, Success Contracts,
Deficiency Notices, Academy Incentive Plan, and a
9th Grade Guided Study Course. Session
participants will hear from current Waggener
students who benefitted from the Freshman
Academy structure and will receive tools for
developing a similar intervention plan in their
schools.
Sarah Hitchings Assistant Principal
Andrew Thomas Counselor
Angela Mayo Teacher
Noah King Student
Ninth Grade Academy
Waggener High School
Jefferson County Schools
Louisville, KY
Huh? 5 Great Marketing Ideas that Build
Community Support of Career Academies
Room: Marriott IX
NSOP: 1,2,3,8
Often times, districts implementing the Career
Academy structure forget a key element of parent-
teacher-student and business partner buy-in,
marketing and communication. In this workshop,
attendees will learn the why and how of
communicating the benefits of a Career Academy
structure as well as the soup to nuts details on five
great marketing ideas that really work. Each
participant will receive a step-by-step outline for
five marketing and communication tactics that can
be taken back to their district and immediately
used to start building support and awareness of
their career academies in the community.
33
Pam Daly Consultant DK Brand Strategy
Beverly Flatt Program Manager for the
Academies of Nashville
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Measuring Your Success: A Process for
Continuous Improvement
Room: Marriott I
NSOP: 1,7,10
Participants in this session will learn processes for
conducting an annual gap analysis to measure the
gains and gaps in meeting their Academy goals
such as the use of meeting processes to guide the
work, interdisciplinary instructional planning and
student academic interventions. As a result of the
analysis of data a process for writing new SMART
goals and action plans will be taught in this
session. Participants will also learn how to use the
example shared or create their own data collection
tools to collect evidence in a systematic format for
the annual gap analysis process. As a result, the
academy's stakeholders, including students,
parents and business and community partners will
take ownership of their own growth as an academy
and create steps to improving their team's work!
Robin Shrode Partner
David Holden Partner
American Alliance for Innovative Systems
Ten Lessons Learned from a Decade of Career
Academies
Room: Marriott III
NSOP: 2,7
In this session participants will develop strategies
to take advantage of lessons learned by SREB to
not only create career academies, but ensure they
have a positive impact on student success. From
ensuring partners are involved to changing
instruction, quality career academies move beyond
shifting classrooms and schedules.
Scott Warren Director of State Initiatives
Partner for Schools
SREB/High Schools That Work
 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 SESSION FOUR 2:15 PM3:30 PM
PANEL
How To Utilize Data to Enhance Your Inreach,
Outreach and Communication
Room: Skybox
Have you been told that your career academy
should collect information and data? But what to
collect, why collect it, for whom, and how it will be
used, become the key questions. Regardless if you
are just starting the academy process or if you are a
seasoned academy, the discussion of these key
questions is important as you both measure your
impact on students and market your academy
needs to the broader community. This panel is
comprised of seasoned professionals in academy
planning, evaluation and branding. User-friendly
discussion will center on which data to collect and
why and how to use information effectively
internally and externally. The bottom line is, are we
using information about our academy in the most
effective waylocally, statewide and nationally.
We promise to make this topic as sexy as possible.
Moderator: Susan Katzman Past-President
NCAC
Katherine Blasik Assistant Vice-President-
Research and Evaluation NAF
Pam Daly President DK Brand Strategies
Scott Warren Director of State Initiatives
Partner for Schools
SREB/High Schools That Work
Refresh Success: Building on your Academy
Strengths to Empower Purpose
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 1,10
Your academy has realized its goals in many
respects, but with student matriculation and new
faculty, it may be challenging to sustain success.
Learn how to refresh your academy outlook and
objectives from a Model Academy working to
uphold relevance and revitalize resolve among its
team members. In this session, you will come away
with an action plan to build your mission on the
strengths of your team members, create efficiency
in routine academy business, and inspire a culture
driven by individuals passions and purpose.
Nick Wilson Academy Principal
Jacqueline Tingle Academy Co-Lead/Art
Melissa Peck Academy Co-Lead
Ford Academy of Business and Innovation
Glencliff High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Academies and Success with Minority Students
Room: Grandstand
NSOP: 2,3
Participants will learn how we took a very troubled
school with an 87% poverty rate and approximately
85% minority from failing to success. This
presenter will cover educating African American
males and the disparity they face. He will discuss
how the academy model along with excellence in
team building can turn around any school.
Mike Steele, Ed.D. Executive Principal
Stratford STEM Magnet High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Creating Cross Curricular Challenges
Room: Clubhouse
NSOP: 7,8,10
Learn the ways CMCSS leaders work with teachers
and community partners to identify cross-curricular
connections among core subject area and CTE
classes to create real-world challenges for career
themed academy students to solve. Presenters will
share both the successes and pitfalls of the
methods employed by CMCSS Academy teachers
and administrators in planning for
integration. Participants can expect to leave the
session with a step-by-step plan to begin honing the
integration planning process with their teacher
teams.
Dayna Paine Director of Curriculum and
Instruction
Becky Padgett Academic Coach
The Academies at CMCSS
Clarksville Montgomery County School System
Clarksville, TN
34
NCAC MODEL ACDEMY SHOWCASE
Building a Model Academy: Cane Ridge
Academy of Law - CR Restorative Court
Room: Marriott IV
NSOP: 1-10
This presentation will be an engaging walk through community by partnering with businesses and
the Academy of Law accreditation process towards community groups to host Job Shadow Days, Field
Model status. Teachers from the Academy of Law
will address the obstacles and successes of building service days. The workshop will address each of
a program that not only prepares students for
college and career readiness but also cultivates and prospective: the educators, the business/community
motivates its students to be MODEL students and
citizens. Cane Ridge Restorative Court will be
highlighted with emphasis on how the court has
helped develop partnerships within the community
while building lasting relationships within the
Academy of Law.
Robyn Green Criminal Justice Instructor
Natasha Clifton Academy of Law Team Lead
Cane Ridge Academy of Law CR Restorative Law
Cane Ridge High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
NCAC MODEL ACDEMY SHOWCASE
Fueling Future Innovators for a Greener
Tomorrow
Room: Marriott II
NSOP: 1-10
Academy Coach
Academy Assistant Principal
Taking your Academy Beyond the Classroom
Room: Marriott VII
NSOP: 8
This session will focus on successful ways to
expand the reach of your Academy into the
Trips, Internships, Career Fairs and community
these experiential learning opportunities from three
partners and the students. The challenges facing
each of the groups will be addressed and proven
work-arounds will be provided. Attendees will
receive a variety of best practices your school can
use to engage their students and community
partners.
Mary York Academy Coach
Academy of Information Technology
Overton High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
John Doerge Deloitte Community Relations
Creating Magic: Academy Expo Career
Demonstration Event
Room: Marriott IX
NSOP: 2
Come see an overview of the process for
developing a one-day career expo designed to
increase student awareness of regional career
opportunities. The annual Academy Expo in
Rockford, IL will be used as a case study. You'll
learn how to define outcomes and a vision for the
expo, identify critical questions to guide the planning
process, recruit community volunteers, and prepare
staff, students and community members for the
event. 3,000 students + 700 volunteers + 200
careers = pure, choreographed magic!
Bridget French Executive Director Alignment
Rockford
David Carson Executive Director of College
and Career Readiness
Earl Wilsey Vice Chair, Academy Expo Team
College & Career Academies of Rockford
Rockford, IL
35
English in an Engineering Academy
Room: Marriott I
NSOP: 4,7
At Omaha North High Magnet School, we have
always done our best to focus on technical writing
and communication skills in our PLTW engineering
courses. Now we are taking it to the next level by
implementing a career academy that pairs English
with engineering. Attend this workshop and learn
how we got our English teachers on board and have
implemented the academy at the 9th and 10th
grades with plans to add 11th and 12th in the
coming years.
John Vinchattle Career Ed. Curriculum
Science Teacher Specialist / Magnet Facilitator
Melinda Bailey Curriculum Specialist
Rachel Beck English Teacher
John Hjelle Engineering/Math/Computer
Omaha North High Magnet School
Omaha Public Schools, NE
Creating a Dynamic Academy Design Team
Room: Marriott III
NSOP: 2,5
This workshop will explore the how to in creating a
dynamic design team that is fluid, student centered,
with a learning community consisting of educators,
business, post-secondary, parents, students and
the push for creating innovation. Innovation that
entails asking the right questions about the theme
of study, why the career academy is the platform for
students and instead of thinking outside the
box (an overused phase) but inside, as scholar Dr.
Richard Ogle suggests, finding a more powerful
box to think in.
Dr. Daniel Wallace NCAC Consultant
Benchmarks for Student Success
Room: Marriott VIII
NSOP: 1,9,10
Rockford Public Schools engaged its staff, students,
families, and community members in identifying
outcomes which are indicators of success for our
graduates. Based on these benchmarks, the district
has developed and continues to refine curriculum
and a system for capturing and reporting student
data in order to monitor growth toward the
targets. The benchmarks serve as the foundation
upon which community engagement is built,
providing tangible steps toward reaching a common
goal for our students: graduating ready for college,
careers, and life.
David Carson Executive Director of College
and Career Readiness
Judy Gustafson Academy Coach
Jefferson High School
Melinda Cattell HS Counselor
Auburn High School
Rockford Public Schools, IL
Experiential Learning: Engaging All Students
Room: Marriott X
NSOP: 2,7,8
This session will explain the Nashville continuum of
experiential learning opportunities with a focus on
the capstone project. Participants will get in-depth
information on how we structure capstone projects
for 5,000 students as well as training for
teachers. We will demonstrate our capstone portal
and explain how we engage community partners in
the process. Participants will gain information that
they can replicate in their own schools.
Dr. Aimee Wyatt Executive Lead Principal of
High Schools
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
36
 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 SESSION FIVE 3:45 PM5:00 PM

PANEL Academies @ Jefferson City High School

Effective Curriculum Integration
Room: Skybox
NSOP: 1-10
Integration of curriculum is an important and
necessary part of a successful career academy.
The merging of academic standards and career
and technical curriculum makes for an outstanding
program. Integration is a required element in
Standards II and VII as well as somewhat in
Standards IV and V. This panel of experienced
educators will give examples of how they are doing units of study, for integrated teacher teams from
it in the classroom along with strategies of how
they make it work.
Moderator: Jan Struebing Retired Counselor
Megan Norman Arts & Communication Academy support and involvement. For the follow-on Project-
Liaison & Social Studies Teacher
North Country Union High School
Newport, VT
Alicia Czanstkowski Medical Pro Ed --Academy Board models. District and school administrators
Leader
Mountain Home High School,
Mountain Home, AR
Tom Chentnik Communication, Arts and
Business Academy Lead Teacher (Band Director) initiative, especially in a high-stakes school
Mountain Home High School
Mountain Home, AR
Whats Different about the Academies @
Jefferson City High School
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 3
Lets be honest...change is scary! Join us to learn Louisville, KY
how Jefferson City High School has evolved into
the Academy model using these five key
components:
1. Small Learning Communities
2. 1 : World
3. Tier 2 Lesson
4. Business Partners
5. Introductory Courses
Tammy Ridgeway Assistant Superintendent
for Secondary Schools
Ben Meldrum Principal Simonsen Ninth
Grade Center
Jefferson City Public Schools, MO
How We Have Been Successful In Developing
Externships Followed By Training In PBL
Project Development
Room: Grandstand
NSOP: 3,5,8
We would like to share how we have been
successful in developing and implementing teacher
externships, followed by project-based learning
our 15 career-themed high schools. We used the
Ford Next Generation Learning model for the
teacher externships (we are a Ford NGL accredited
community), including developing community
Based Learning unit development and
management, we used a blend of the Buck Institute
for Education and the Southern Regional Education
were also trained to support and evaluate PBL in
the classroom and to integrate PBL into the new
state teacher evaluation system. Attendees should
leave with an appreciation for the complexity of this
accountability environment
Dr. Ken Talley Director Career & Technical
Education
Ryan Deal Career Pathway Specialist
Dr. Diane MacKenzie Career Pathway
Specialist
Jefferson County Public Schools
Building and Structuring Relationships with
Businesses through Design Thinking
Room: Clubhouse
NSOP: 7,8
How can a creative problem solving process help
your academy develop and sustain powerful
community linkages with the community? Our
interactive session explores how schools are using
Design Thinking to effectively build and structure
relationships that engage teachers, students and
employers in meaningful workplace learning and
37
result in work products that have value in real life.
challenging experiences. Electronic
With an approach thats both authentic and active,
communications on research projects by the
you will understand what Design Thinking is, learn
Academy of Health Sciences students enables
from the Powered by Ford STEM Network and provides real time data and research analysis
implementation in Detroit, engage in a brief Design
with Rutgers University. Utilizing Design Thinking
Thinking activity, and leave inspired and ready to
Strategies, the Academy of Natural Resources
take action in your own host community. students enhanced their project-based learning
activities to meet the needs of industry and to
Deborah Parizek Henry Ford Learning Institute contribute to Hawaii's ecosystem.
Jessica Julison Senior Professional Learning
Specialist Keith Hayashi Principal
Ford Nest Generation Learning Meryl Matsumura Assistant Principal
Sherry Tenn ANR Lead
NCAC MODEL ACDEMY SHOWCASE Jeffrey Garvey ANR Teacher
Michael Sana AHS Co-Lead
Room: Marriott IV Academy of Natural Resources
NSOP: 1-10 Kelsy Kai-Yamamoto Co-Lead
Academy of Health & Sciences
Don Coloma Pathway Director
Gail Izumigawa School Improvement Resource
Teacher Support
Stephen Nakano School Improvement
Resource Teacher Support
Waipahu High School
Waipahu, HI

Developing Teacher Leadership

Room: Marriott VII
NSOP: 5

After an overview of the programmatic and

instructional leadership demands on teacher
leaders in Career Academies, this workshop will
direct participants to tools and resources for teacher
leaders playing those roles: establishing
collaborative norms and organizing interdisciplinary
teams to transform instructional practices, involving
Academy of Sports Medicine & Wellness industry and community partners in instruction and
assessment while expanding work-based learning
opportunities, and integrating the academy program
into the comprehensive high school. Participants will
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE engage in sample activities in each area.
Innovative and Relevant Teaching and Learning
in Academies Annie Johnston Coordinator of Public
Room: Marriott II Programs
NSOP: 1-10 College & Career Academy Support Network ,
UC Berkeley, CA
Waipahu High School has experienced a major shift
in teaching and learning. Collaboration on project-
based lessons initiated by teachers and community
leaders has enhanced the attitude, knowledge and
skills of students through meaningful and

38
Academy Quality: NCACs National Standards
of Practice Review/NCACs Baseline Analysis
Room: Marriott IX
This session will be a presentation and discussion
of NCACs NSOP Review process for academies
ready to be evaluated for certified or model status
and NCACs Baseline Analysis process for new
programs who want a thorough evaluation and
recommendations for moving forward.
Connie Majka Vice President NCAC
Jay Steele President NCAC
Sharon Tritchler NCAC Review/PD Coordinator
Proven Strategies for Business Partner
Involvement in Project-Based Learning
Experiences
Room: Marriott I
NSOP: 8
This session will provide attendees with proven
strategies to gain business partner involvement in
project-based learning experiences (PBLs).
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of
the role business partners can play during a PBL.
They will also leave with business partner
engagement templates to use for future PBLs,
fieldtrip planning, guest speakers and community
activities. Finally, attendees will leave with a plan to
gain more business partner involvement through
the planning of community activities.
Adam Guidry Co-Lead Teacher/Engineering
Jonathan Hall Academy Principal
Lucy Prestwood Academy Co-Lead
Biotechnology
Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning
Glencliff High School/ Metro Nashville Public
Schools, TN
Practitioner Led Constructive Collaboration
Room: Marriott VIII
So many times, we struggle with getting diverse
perspective on challenges or ideas we might want
to implement. Come to this session with an issue/
challenge you're facing in your practice. Be brave
and ready to present your challenge. You will learn
how to learn how to use Open Space technology in
any environment and use space for constructive
and collaborative learning. Novice and
experienced practitioners at all levels of Career
Academy development will help further the thinking
around a specific challenge/idea. There will be an
opportunity for 4-6 presentations in this session.
Through a 3-5 minute presentation, you will give or
receive feedback from others at all levels of Career
Academy development spectrum, in order to further
develop several challenges.
Specific Outcomes:
1. You will learn Open Space Technology and how
to use it
2. You will have an opportunity to present your
challenge.
3. You will learn how to give and receive
constructive feedback
Dorothy Lemanski Professional Development
Provider
Philadelphia Academies, Inc
Philadelphia, PA
The Generative Power of a Growth Mindset
Room: Marriott III
NSOP: 4,5
Ever wonder why some students succeed in
overcoming obstacles and others, equally gifted, do
not? Or why some teachers, when faced with a
changing school environment, take on the
challenges with gusto while others shrink
back? Learn about how Mindset affects motivation
to learn and ones approach to challenging
situations. Participants will be able to describe the
impact of a growth mindset and identify strategies
for developing and promoting growth mindset for
themselves, their colleagues and students. Career
Academies, with their focus on students
aspirations and achievement and on continual
improvement of the model, depend upon everyone
doing their very best. This session can help.
Jennifer Cardoso Associate Director,
Learning & Innovation
Philadelphia Academies, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
39
 SPECIAL SESSION 5:00 6:00 PM MARRIOTT III
Nuts and Bolts Review Website Training for navigate the NCAC website to upload the required
Team Leads/Teams Planning a Review surveys, self-report and supporting documents.
Room: Marriott III This training session will give you and your team
the tools you need for a comfortable review
The National Career Academy Coalition wants you process.
to feel comfortable with the career academy review
or baseline analysis procedure you have coming Sharon Tritschler
up during Spring of 2016 or thereafter. NCAC Review/PD Coordinator
Connie Scotchel Gross
Learn the detailed review and the baseline NCAC National Reviewer
analysis process, and most importantly, how to

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 SESSION SIX 9:15 AM10:30 PM

Using Experiential Learning Model to Meet the
National Standards of Practice (NSOP)
Room: Skybox
NSOP: 7,8
At Antioch High School each of the four model
academies and Freshman Academy have
successfully incorporated four experiential learning
days into the academic school calendar. In this
session, participants will be given information to
plan and implement experiential learning to
maximize student opportunities (field trips, job
shadowing, guest speakers, etc.) to meet NSOP
requirements. Also, participants will learn how to
effectively engage their advisory board business
and community partners to meet these demands
and requirements.
Kawonia Mull Lead Teacher
Jane Fetters Lead Teacher
Amy Jamison Lead Teacher
Andrew Molloy Lead Teacher
Academy of Teaching & Service
Antioch High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Creating a System of District Support for
Teachers
Room: Paddock
NSOP: 3,7
In this session, participants will learn how Jefferson Philadelphia, PA
County Public Schools built district and school
sustainability systems through a unique
partnership with Southern Regional Education
Board (SREB). The model plan resulted in high
quality project-based learning in academy
classrooms while also developing the skills of
district coordinators to support teachers.
Scott Warren Director of State Initiatives
Partner for Schools
SREB/High Schools That Work
Ken Talley CTE Director
Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville, KY
Design Thinking Crash Course
Room: Grandstand
NSOP: 4,5,7,10
Design Thinking offers a way for educators to be
intentional and collaborative as they design
solutions for their school or academy. This hands-
on workshop will walk you through a series of
techniques and processes that will empower you to
create impactful solutions for complex challenges.
You will leave with techniques that will help
improve ideation, problem solving, and prototyping.
For the sake of group work, we will use the prompt,
"What's beyond "model" for career academies?"
Constance Majka Director
Learning and Innovation
Philadelphia Academies, Inc

40
Integrating English Learners in the Academy
Model: Opportunities and Challenges
Room: Clubhouse
NSOP: 2,7

Schools with large English Learner populations face

specific obstacles to full integration of EL's into the
academy model such as scheduling and accessible
coursework and industry experiences. However,
academy opportunities open immigrant students up
to a world of possibilities that can literally change
the course of their lives. Hear from EL students Academy Lead Culinary
directly about the impact of their academy Gary Jones Academy Teacher Data/English
experience and learn from staff at Tennessees Beth Edwards Academy Recorder Biology
most diverse high school what it takes to formulate
an intentional plan to meet the needs of EL students
within the academy model. Participants will have
the opportunity to share best practices and begin to
create an action plan for integration of EL students Tampa, FL
into their own academy practices.
The Down and Dirty of Scheduling
Mary York Academy Coach Room: Marriott VII
Cheryl Jolley EL Teacher NSOP: 2,3,4
Academy of Information Technology
John Overton High School With two years of scheduling under our belt, weve
Metro Nashville Public Schools experienced the trials and triumphs of building a
master schedule. Balancing an Academy schedule
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE alongside a traditional high school schedule isnt
Tools for Highly Effective Projects, Planning, always pretty. This discussion offers insight on what
and Curriculum in the Academy Model works and what doesnt, as well as some key points
Room: Marriott IV to consider when creating your master schedule.
NSOP: 1-10
Carrie Welch Counselor
This session describes best practices that a Model Jaime Marshall Counselor
academy uses for integrating core content into The Academies @ Jefferson City Jefferson City
project-based learning activities using your Public Schools
academys theme. Learn how to incorporate critical Jefferson City, MO
thinking classes and utilize effective common
planning time to grow academic achievement by Round Rock ISD and Dell: Partnering Up for the
increasing the number of advanced placement Future
classes and student engagement. Room: Marriott IX
NSOP: 7,8
Meghen Sanders Academy Principal
Yolanda Jackson Academy Coach Learn how Dell and Cedar Ridge HS, Round Rock
Academy of Entertainment Communications Pearl ISD, formed a unique partnership to create an
Cohn High School innovative library with a youth perspective on what
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN is needed in a learning space. The student focus
groups, were split into teams based on their talents
NCAC MODEL ACADEMY SHOWCASE (engineering, architecture, interior design, business
Building the MODEL through Community and web design). The students presented to Dell
Room: Marriott II and RRISD officials at Dell headquarters. This
NSOP: 1-10 session will give attendees the tools needed to
41
partner with local businesses to provide
meaningful projects for students with perspectives
from business, school and students.
Melissa Russom Account Executive, Dell
Rachel Sotelo CTE Academy Specialist
Jake Erney Student
Devin DeAnda Student
Wesley Matingou Student
Ryan McBroom Student
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 SESSION SEVEN 10:45 AM12:00 PM
Escaping the Island: A Project-Based Approach
to Environmental Advocacy
Room: Marriott II
NSOP: 5,7,8
A teacher summer externship with the Floyds Fork
Environmental Association inspired a cross-
curricular project between English and Chemistry
classes. To measure the localized effects of
Louisvilles urban heat island, students conducted
an inventory of the number and size of trees in the
areas around their school and homes, mapping the
results. They combined data with further research
on heat island effects to advocate for tree
placement in letters to the Louisville Metro Council
and tree-donating nonprofits. Session participants
will view student work samples from this ongoing
project and receive tools for developing similar
project-based learning initiatives in their schools.
Nathan Harris Chemistry Teacher
Ashley Blandford English Teacher
Teena Halbig President, Floyds Fork
Environmental Association
Tenth Grade House Environmental School of
Study
Waggener High School
Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville, KY
Using Interactive, Responsive Data Walls for
Academy Interventions
Room: Marriott III
NSOP: 7,10
During this session, we will present how our
academy tracks students' academic and behavioral
data in order to implement targeted individual
intervention plans. In addition to demographic data,
Rachel Van Pelt Student
Michael Lobsenz Student
Cedar Ridge High School/Round Rock ISD
Round Rock, TX
each data card reflects students' projected
proficiency in English, math, and science,
benchmark data, unit assessment data, and school
literacy probe data. Presenters will teach the
audience how to track academic, behavioral, and
attendance data and how to implement regular,
targeted interventions based on multiple data
points. Audience will be presented with an evidence
-based model for possible adaption and integration
into their academies.
Dr. Meghen Sanders Academy Principal
Brian Mells Academy Principal
Allyson "Tricia" Kriese Team Leader
Academy of Entertainment Communication
Pearl-Cohn High School
Metro Nashville Public Schools, TN
Shifting Instruction
Room: Marriott IV
NSOP 7
Changing classroom instruction requires a shift in
mindset. Join us as we share our experiences with
Project -Based Learning, One: World (1:1), Tier 2
lessons, and how we blend instruction using various
models to meet the needs of our students.
Greg Smith Instructional Technology
Specialist Cedar Ridge High School
Emily Vallandingham Teacher
Amanda Aspey Teacher
Jimmy Janes Teacher
Ben Meldrum Principal
The Academies @ Jefferson City High School
Jefferson City Public Schools
Jefferson City, MO
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CONFERENCE PARTNERS
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
ACTE is the nations largest not-for-profit association committed to the
advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful
careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals,
including educators, administrators, researchers, guidance counselors
and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in
providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources,
professional development and leadership opportunities.

The American Alliance for Innovative Systems (AAIS)

AAIS provides a systemic approach to the difficult work of school reform
and renewal. Founded by experienced educators from diverse
backgrounds, AAIS contracts with schools and districts to provide long-
term technical assistance that is directly aligned to their improvement
goals. Experienced in guiding numerous school improvement efforts
across the country, AAIS founders have a deep understanding of the
complexity of change as change agents themselves in their former
districts, and as consultants understand that it is ultimately the human
capacity that improves schools, thus student achievement. A focus on
building that capacity is the ultimate goal for all members of the AAIS
team.

The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) is a mission-driven not-for-

profit 501(c)3 organization based in Novato, California, and is beneficiary
of the Leonard and Beryl Buck Trust. Since 1998, BIE has focused its
work exclusively on Project Based Learning and is considered the
worlds leading provider of PBL resources and professional
development. Its publications have been translated into nine languages.
Across the United States and around the world, BIE provides PBL
workshops and coaching to well over 10,000 K-12 teachers per year,
and provides systemic long-term support to partner schools and districts.
It also hosts annual PBL World and PBL Academies events, and offers
online resources at its website (bie.org) and PBLU.org.

College and Career Academy Support Network (CCASN)

Founded in 1998, the College and Career Academy Support Network
(CCASN) is based in the Graduate School of Education at the University
of California Berkeley (UCB). The CCASN team includes researchers
and practitioners who have worked in over 20 states to support design,
development, implementation, and enhancement of academies as well
as other small learning communities. CCASNs research based strategy
has been effective for hundreds of thousands of young people, including
low-income students of color. Working with state, district, and school
personnel as well as community, industry, and postsecondary
representatives, CCASN provides coaching, professional development,
technical assistance, research and evaluation services that help to
prepare students for both college and careers. A series of guides, along
with other tools, templates, databases, videos, and links are available on
the CCASN website.

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CONFERENCE PARTNERS
CSSR
Founded in 2005 by Joe DiMartino, the Center for Secondary School
Redesign, Inc. (CSSR) has grown to be a leading provider of ground
breaking technical assistance to support leadership for changing
middle and high schools to become personalized. CSSR provides
education leaders with the tools and strategies to create schools that
have collaborative leadership, are professional learning communities
that personalize the school culture, and have student-centered
instruction, assessment, and curriculum. It consists of nationally
recognized school change coaches who are dedicated,
knowledgeable, and passionate about creating personalized and
student-centered learning environments.

About ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career

ConnectEd partners with communities to transform education
systemically through Linked Learning, ensuring that all students,
regardless of background, graduate ready for college, career, and life.
Linked Learning combines strong academics, demanding technical
education, and real-world experience. To advance Linked Learning
practice, ConnectEd develops tools, supports demonstration projects,
provides technical assistance, leads collaboration, and promotes
policies that expand high-quality pathways. www.ConnectEdCalifornia.org

Ford Next Generation Learning

Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) mobilizes educators,
employers and community leaders to develop a new generation of
young people who will graduate from high school ready for college,
careers, and life. Established by Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford
NGL is improving teaching and learning, promoting the development
of career- and interest-themed high schools to better serve students,
and helping align business and civic engagement to improve student
and workforce outcomes. Together with our national, regional, and
local partners, we are supporting young people who are prepared to
compete successfully in the global 21st century economy.

Magnet Schools of America

Magnet Schools of America is the national association of magnet and
theme-based schools with 2,000 member schools. MSAs mission is
to provide leadership for high quality, innovative, instructional
programs that promote choice, diversity, equity, and academic
excellence for all students. The organization serves the leaders and
teachers of magnet and theme-based schools, while promoting the
development of new magnet programs and public schools of choice. It
also sponsors programs, events, technical assistance, student
scholarships, professional development, and leadership through the
National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL). More
information can be found online at www.magnet.edu

44
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
MDRC
MDRC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan education and social policy research
organization dedicated to learning what works to improve programs
and policies that affect the poor. We design and study new approaches
to the problems confronting public education; low-income children,
families, and communities; and low-wage workers and people with
serious barriers to employment.

National Academy Foundation (NAF)

NAF is a national network of education, business, and community
leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college,
career, and future ready. Since 1982, NAF has been partnering with
existing high schools in high-need communities to enhance school
systems at a low cost by implementing NAF academies small
learning communities within traditional high schools. NAFs educational
design ignites students passion for learning and gives businesses the
opportunity to shape Americas future workforce by transforming the
learning environment to include STEM infused industry-specific
curricula and work-based learning experiences, including internships.

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is
the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school
principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the
United States and 35 countries around the world. The association
connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research,
education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all
school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens
school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high
quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing
commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers
the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National
Elementary Honor Society, and the National Association of Student
Councils.

National Association of State Directors of Career Technical

Education Consortium (NASDCTEc)
The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical
Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) was established in 1920 to
represent the state and territory heads of secondary, postsecondary
and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across the nation.
NASDCTEc, through leadership, advocacy and partnerships, aims to
support an innovative CTE system that prepares individuals to succeed
in education and their careers, and poises the United States to flourish
in a global, dynamic economy.

45
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
Nova Southeastern Universitys Abraham S. Fischler School of
Education
Nova Southeastern Universitys Abraham S. Fischler School of
Education (FSE) established the National Institute for Educational
Options (NIEO) in 1997 to further the efforts of K12 education toward
comprehensive school reform. A major area of school reform
features school choice" as a means to improve academic
achievement, further school options for parents and students, and
promote school and business partnerships. NIEO offers a Masters
and Doctoral degree in Charter School Education Leadership for
aspiring administrators. NIEO is also an event management and
production agency with ideas that transform everyday places and
programs into engaging experiences with superior customer service to
the educational community.

Philadelphia Academies, Inc.

As an intermediary organization, working with the career academies in
Philadelphia, we bring the financial and human resources of the
business community to our partner schools. We provide work and life
readiness skills, scholarships, and connections to internship
experiences that provide a path toward a productive life.

Southern Regional Education Board / High Schools That Work

With over 3000 schools participating in the network over the past 29
years, High Schools That Work (HSTW) is the nation's largest and
oldest school improvement initiative. HSTW schools implement key
school and classroom practices to graduate more students ready for
both college and careers by blending rigorous career technical studies
with a college ready academic core. Its not one or the other. Its
both. Students need strong academics and career technical skills to
be ready for multiple options, says Gene Bottoms, Senior Vice
President of SREB and founder of HSTW. Career Academies provide
the ideal structure to accomplish both. Currently, HSTW schools in
urban, suburban and rural areas have implemented broad career
themed academies to provide opportunities for students to connect
learning to postsecondary goals for success.

Talent Development Secondary

Talent Development Secondary is a comprehensive reform model for
middle and high school grades that features small learning
communities for all students, including career academies for grades
10 through 12, research-based curricula and pedagogy, professional
development, and onsite support for teachers and school leaders.
Developed by Johns Hopkins University researchers, Talent
Development Secondary is now a core element of Diplomas Now, a
collaborative reform initiative with City Year and Communities in
Schools, which is being implemented in major school districts across
the nation, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia,
Boston, Miami, 46
San Antonio, and Columbus, Ohio.
CONFERENCE PARTNERS
WestED
WestEd, a research, development, and service agency with 17 offices
across the nation, conducts research and evaluation studies;
develops standards, assessments, and tools; provides training and
technical assistance; and works with local, state and national
policymakers, practitioners, and partners to carry out systemic
improvement and change efforts. Staff expertise in the arena of
postsecondary and career readiness spans such topics as high school
reform, postsecondary transition policy, CTE, work-based learning,
adolescent literary, STEM education, English learners, standards
development and alignment, and assessment of academic, career,
and other 21st century knowledge and skills.

EXHIBITORS
American Alliance for Innovative Systems (AAIS)

Class Act Federal Credit Union

Metro Nashville Public Schools

National Academy Foundation v(NAF)

National Center for College and Career Transitions (NC3T)

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SILVER MEMBERSHIPS

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SILVER MEMBERSHIPS

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GOLD MEMBERSHIPS

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PLATINUM MEMBERSHIPS

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PLATINUM MEMBERSHIPS

52
PLATINUM MEMBERSHIPS

53
PLATINUM MEMBERSHIPS

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BRONZE SPONSORS

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SILVER SPONSOR

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GOLD SPONSOR

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PLATINUM SPONSOR

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60
 NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE (NSOP))
The National Standards of Practice for career academies were developed by an informal consortium of national
career academy organizations. Drawn from many years of research and experience, they are framed around ten key
elements for successful, sustained implementation of academies. There are several reasons why these NSOP were
developed. First, research was showing that academies were making a difference in graduation and dropout rates
and in career choices for young people. What was not being demonstrated was the difference academies make in
academic achievement. These Standards are a way to ensure that academies are adhering to rigor on multiple
levels, including academics. Secondly, the term career academy was being utilized in many ways to define all
types of schools and programs. These Standards become a way to define a career academy and provide a vehicle
for academies to share strategies, challenges and successes on a level playing field.

The NSOP were introduced nationally at a press conference in December 2004 in Washington, DC. and endorsed
by both the Departments of Education and Labor. They were refined by the NSOP developers in 2013 and are
included here.

The career academy concept has three key elements: a small learning community, a college-prep sequential
curriculum with a career theme and an advisory board. The Standards are defined below.

I. DEFINED MISSION AND GOALS: The career academy has a written definition of its mission, goals
and benchmarks. These are developed by and available to the administrators, teachers, students,
parents, advisory board and others involved in the academy.

Criteria for inclusion in the mission and goals include: college and career connections; student
aspirations; student achievement; commitment to equity; and stakeholder involvement

II. ACADEMY DESIGN: An academy has a well-defined structure within the high school, reflecting its
status as a small learning community.

Criteria include: cross-grade articulation; student selection; cohort scheduling; physical space for the
career academy; small size and supportive atmosphere; and academy planning by the staff, advisory
board and others

III. HOST COMMUNITY AND HIGH SCHOOL: Career academies exist in a variety of district and high
school contexts which are important determinants of an academys success.

Criteria include: support from the Board of Education and Superintendent; support from the principal
and high school administration; and adequate funding, facilities, equipment and materials

IV. FACULTY AND STAFF: Appropriate staff selection, leadership, credentialing and cooperation are
critical to an academys success.

Criteria include: teacher leader(s)/coordinators; academy staff; and support from the counselors, non-
academy teachers and classified staff

V. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Since an academy places teachers

and other adults into roles not normally included in their previous training, providing adequate
professional development time, leadership and support is critical.

Criteria include: common planning within the high school schedule; professional development; and a
volunteer and parent orientation

VI. GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP: The academy has a governing structure that incorporates the
explicit roles of all stakeholders and the leaders of the advisory board.

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 NATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE (NSOP)
Criteria include: a network of support anchored by an advisory board; regular meetings; a healthy
partnership between the school/academy and its host community; and a student voice

VII. TEACHING AND LEARNING: The teaching and learning within an academy meets or exceeds
external standards and college entrance requirements, while differing from a comprehensive high
school by focusing learning around a theme.

Criteria include: external standards; rigorous learning; sequenced, integrated and relevant
curriculum;
post-secondary planning; dual credit options; and development of a portfolio and participation in a
capstone project

VIII. EMPLOYER, POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: A career

academy links high school to its host community and involves members of the employer, post-
secondary education and civic community in certain aspects of its operation.

Criteria include: local industry/economic needs; community involvement; citizenship; and work-based
learning

IX. STUDENT ASSESSMENT: Improvements in student performance are central to an academys

mission. It is important to gather data that reflect whether students are showing improvement and
to report these accurately and fairly to maintain the academys integrity.

Criteria include: the collection of student data; multiple academic measurements which include items
such as student attendance, retention, credits, grade point averages, state test scores, graduation
rates and college going rates; the assessment of technical learning; accurate reporting; and the
evidence of the impact of the academy

X. SUSTAINABILITY: No new academy functions perfectly. Even well established and highly
functioning academies benefit from self-examination and refinement. Ensuring and improving the
quality of a career academy requires engaging in a regular cycle of improvement.

Criteria include: academy implementation; academy refinements which include timetables and
measurable outcomes; and reflection of the academys mission and goals

Distributed by the:
National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC)
P.O. Box 121161
Nashville, Tennessee 37212

872-356-6222 (NCAC)
www.ncacinc.com

9-2015

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 NCAC SERVICES TO YOUR
ACADEMIES
NCAC provides a variety of services to school districts to help either design career
academies or attain high quality and sustainability. NCAC works with a cadre of seasoned
professionals who know and understand career academies and smaller learning
communities. The services listed below can be discounted for members.

ACADEMIES 101
Are you just beginning to learn about academies and smaller learning communities? Did you just receive a
grant and need a roadmap? Does scheduling, integration, teaming and recruitment make your head spin? Do
you worry about developing an advisory board or creating effective partnerships? In this training you will
receive guidance from professionals based on the ten National Standards of Practice (NSOP) and learn the
secrets of how to get started in the right direction.
ACADEMIES 201
Have you started your academy and want to move it to the next level? Or are you stymied by particular
challengesadvisory board consistency, integrated projects, student recruitment and retention, marketing,
common planning time, data collectionjust to name a few? We will ask you to do some self-examination
ahead of time to determine your specific academy needs and then we will create the customized professional
development your academy needs.
FROM CTE TO CAREER ACADEMY
Do you have a strong Career & Technical Program that could serve as the core for a career academy? Do
you want to find ways to connect your students technical skill training with college preparation and
academics? This training from professionals will provide a crosswalk between CTE and career academies
based on the National Standards of Practice (NSOP) and will help you map out an implementation strategy.
CAREER ACADEMY REVIEWS
Are you proud of your career academies? Do you want others to visit and learn about the success you are
having? When foundations and others in your community ask about your data so they can provide you with
resources, what can you share with them to validate your work? NCAC has developed a Career Academy
Review process based on the National Standards of Practice (NSOP). A school district contracts with NCAC
for an academy review. Once it is scheduled, the school/academy enters data around the ten national
standards into an online portal. Various groups of stakeholders also complete surveys online. Two reviewers
are then scheduled to come to your academy for a 4-hour site visit. The final document will include a rating of
model, certified or in progress. Model designation carries with it the certainty that all ten Standards are
met and that most are exceeded and that people could visit your academy and leave knowing that they had
seen what a consistently high caliber academy looks like. No review can occur unless there has been a
graduating class.
BASELINE ANALYSIS
Do you feel as if you are not quite ready for a career academy review, but would like to know how you are
doing on that road to developing high quality career academies? Many school district personnel have shared
with us these very concerns so NCAC has developed a Baseline Analysis to help. Less formal that a career
academy review, the Baseline Analysis process lets you use an analyzation tool either internally that you
administer yourself or we will send in two reviewers to conduct the Analysis. If we come in, we will leave you
with a written report based on the ten National Standards of Practice (NSOP) and ideas for future
professional development.
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 NCAC
National Career Academy Coalition
20th National Conference

November 7 9, 2016
Tampa Marriott Waterside
700 South Florida Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33602
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