Career Academy National Standards of Practice
A Forum - December 1, 2004
The concerns about America’s high schools are escalating as a number of recent reports reveal that large numbers of our nation’s youth are not being prepared for college and careers, or are dropping out altogether. The December 1st forum and release of Career Academy National Standards of Practice explored career academies as a strategy for transforming the traditional, comprehensive high school in ways that support all students’ learning to high standards.
The Career Academy National Standards of Practice, developed by an informal consortium of career academy organizations, are framed around ten key elements of successful implementation, drawn from many years of research and experience from all parts of the country. Among these are a description of the academy model itself; the responsibilities of host high schools and districts; needed governance structures, staffing, and professional development; appropriate curriculum & instruction; useful partnerships; and related student assessment. While developing or established career academies may not meet every standard, they can serve as a consistent measure of quality. The standards, as well as policy and research background papers that were available at the forum are now available here (Resources link, to the right).
The forum featured the perspective of key leaders from the policy, research, practice, and business communities, who explored the implications of the standards and the significance of career academies in the context of the broader framework of high school reform efforts nationwide.