- Shakopee High School
- What are the Academies of Shakopee?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Shakopee's academy model?
The district’s academy model includes six career academies within one high school. We also have one Freshman Academy for incoming 9th graders. Students will select an academy to enter as a sophomore. Each academy has its own physical location in the building. The 335,000-foot building expansion has been customized to meet the needs of each academy. Each Academy Hub (two academies) has its own administrative and instructional team.
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How do the Academies of Shakopee work?
In 9th grade, students enter the Freshman Academy, which provides the necessary skills to transition to the high school and provides additional time to explore courses offered by the six academies. Students spend time discovering their own unique interests. They then select a home academy for their sophomore through senior year. While students take courses in their home academy for a portion of their day, they are still be able to take courses in other areas of interest.Student have the opportunity to dive deeper into content and engage in more authentic learning. New graduation requirements are being phased in for each graduating class. -
What are the benefits of smaller learning communities?
Research shows smaller learning communities lead to improved attendance, reduced behavior issues, increased sense of belonging for students, increased graduation rates, and achievement gains for students.
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What are some of the academic similarities and differences between a traditional high school and an academy model?
Traditional Model
Academy Model
School Capacity: 3,200 students
School Capacity: 3,200 students (placed into smaller learning communities)
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
Classrooms grouped by department (math, science, etc)
Classrooms grouped by interests/academy
Core classes based on state standards
Core classes based on state standards (infused with the flavor of the academy to increase student engagement)
Many AP/CIS courses available
Many AP/CIS courses available
Random selection of elective courses
Elective courses tied to career pathways to create connections
Fine Arts and World Language options
Fine Arts and World Language options
Less likely to have a consistent teacher for multiple semesters or one year
Highly likely to have a consistent teacher for multiple semesters or multiple years
Little or no community or business engagement in development of courses or experiences for students
High levels of community and business engagement in development of courses and experiences for students
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What type of innovative instruction is happening within the academies?
Student experiences include inquiry learning, internship opportunities, individualized learning plans and personalized learning, 1:1 technology integration, authentic learning experiences (real world connections!), teachers learning from and planning with industry experts, and programs of study: In-depth sequence of courses.
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What is the typical administrative support structure in the academy model?
The academy model at Shakopee High School is staffed with one academy principal for two career academies and an academy principal for the 9th grade academy. There are also counselors and other staff that are assigned to particular academies. A team of teachers assigned to each academy also provides targeted support for students.
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What is the Freshman Academy?
Freshman Academy is for 9th grade students to spend time discovering their own unique interests and then chose a home academy for their sophomore through senior year. The Freshman Academy provides additional time to explore courses offered by the six academies.
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Can my student change academies or will they be "stuck" in an academy they don't want to be in?
During the registration process, 9th grade students will select a career academy for their 10th grade year and beyond. We understand that interests can change throughout the course of a high school career. At the end of 10th grade, students will have an opportunity to explore another academy. It will become more difficult to switch academies after 10th grade due to the graduation requirement of completing a program of study (3 course sequence) within an academy. Regardless of academy placement, students are always able to take elective courses outside of the home academy.
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What is Ford (NGL) Next Generation Learning? What is their role in the academies?
Ford NGL is a national network of academy schools. The schools in the Ford NGL network infuse the high expectations and academic rigor of college preparatory academic programs with the real-world relevance and rigor of career and technical education (CTE). Ford NGL uses the power of workplace relevance and business relationships to excite young people about education and to prepare them for college, careers and life. The network provides services to help schools go from design, planning, implementation, and future study visits of the academy model. We will customize this process to meet the unique needs of our community. As part of the Ford NGL network, our district will likely generate revenue from future study visits. Districts around the country visit Shakopee to help them implement the academies in their schools.
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What does our community and business engagement look like in the academies?
A critical aspect of this work is the involvement of community and business partners in developing authentic projects, course work, internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, etc. To learn more about how to get involved contact Elizabeth Duehr.