The current administrative group began examining the SLC model over a year ago. RBR already has three theme-based SLCs, Academies of Visual & Performing Arts, Finance, Information Technology, and the grade-based Freshmen Academy. Approximately 30% of RBR students are already part of a SLC. Forty-seven percent of the current 9th grade class is in a SLC.

We believe the SLC model will elevate the academic performance of all students by providing each student with a more personalized learning environment based around their interests. It will also create more opportunities for interdisciplinary connections. Theme-based academies are the natural progression beyond the Freshmen Academy.

Research shows that students in SLCs perform better academically, have fewer discipline problems, have fewer attendance issues, are more likely to get involved in extracurricular activities, and tend to have more positive attitudes about school. An SLC structure also has shown to close the achievement gap. This is why the federal government has provided funding for schools willing to implement this model.

In addition to our existing 4-year academies, we will create 3-year programs in Humanities, Math & Science, International Studies, and Sports Medicine & Management.

We envisioned the creation of programs based on Gardner’s multiple intelligences research, focusing on linguistic, logical, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal intelligences. We also looked at programs that we could create that would not require a great deal of curricular overhaul or require the addition of staff.

All of our academy programs can enable both students who are heading to college and those who are planning a career directly after high school. There are a large number of careers in medical related fields, automotive technology, cosmetology, sales, visual and performing arts, law enforcement and building trades designed for high school graduates. While these occupations may not require a college degree, they certainly require specific training. Our career-bound students can focus on academy programs in technology, sports medicine, business, visual and performing arts, and social sciences. They can remain in those programs through their senior year or they could attend the vocational school beginning in their junior year where instruction in auto, cosmetology, criminal justice, etc. is available.

Please note that over 90% of our students do attend at least a 2-year college.

Theme-based academies will start with next year’s freshmen class. All students in the Class of 2012 will enter into RBR’s Freshmen Academy. Some students will be concurrently enrolled in our existing academies as well. For those students who are not already in a 4-year academy in the 9th grade, they will be asked to select a 3-year academy to enter into for their sophomore year (September 2009).

Current students will not be asked to make an academy selection.

NO

Probably, however, we are not asking students to choose a program of study based on what they might want to do for the rest of their lives. The choice should be made based on what a student is interested in at this point in his/her life. Every student has an interest. We will work closely with our middle schools to educate and guide students to identify that interest so that they can tailor an educational program that fits their needs and motivates them to succeed. Excitement over an academic focus will, hopefully, translate to other areas of the student’s academic and extra-curricular life.

No. These programs will not be restrictive because their requirements will be based on electives. Unlike the mandatory classes in the VPA, AOF and AOIT which require students to take specific courses, the new 3-year programs will give students choices as to which courses they can take to satisfy academy requirements.

All students will still have to take all New Jersey graduation requirements. These requirements are designed so that all students receive a well-rounded education.

Not at this time.

No, it’s about academic achievement and personalizing educational programs The SLC model within a comprehensive environment will enable us to offer the most unique and innovative educational program in Monmouth County. No other school can offer what we will be offering.

We think it will do the contrary because we will be offering exciting, challenging, cutting-edge programs that will not be available anywhere else.

Around Monmouth County, there is great demand for Academy education. This year the Monmouth County Vocational School Academies will receive close to 2500 applications for only 350 slots. RBR’s in-district academy population has been growing steadily for the past seven years. The current 4-year academy enrollment for this year’s freshmen class is 47%.

That will be up to the advisory boards that we will set up for each program. The advisory boards will consist of administrators, staff, parents, community members, and students.

Students in the new 3-year academies will be able to reconsider their academy choice prior to the junior year. Once in their junior year, they will have to maintain their academy selection.

On October 19, we made a presentation to the administrators of Markham Place School in Little Silver, Red Bank Middle and Charter Schools, and Shrewsbury Elementary School. The feedback we received from them was outstanding.

A number of prominent districts from around New Jersey (Cranford, Lawrenceville, and Irvington) have either already visited us or will be visiting us soon in anticipation of their own development of SLCs.

The reaction from the parents at our November 1st 8th Grade Open House and the November 13th evening Parent Advisor Council meeting was overwhelmingly positive. Some parents have expressed concerns about the programs being too restrictive. However, the overall feedback has been very positive.

Several parents have told us that the students in our middle schools are already discussing which academy they are going to enter.

Current students will be greatly impacted by this grant award. A number of programs will begin this year and continue over the next five years.

We will be hiring a reading consultant through grant funding to work with our staff so that literacy for all students can be improved.

In December we are starting an after-school homework club to assist all students with their homework needs. Additionally, we will be able to hire a math tutor to work in the math lab every lunch period, every day, to help students specifically in math.

We will be able to expand our HSPA tutoring.

We will be revamping and updating curriculum.

Next year, we will begin mandating the PSAT for all sophomores so that more students will be prepared to ultimately take the SATs.

This grant will enable us to provide professional development.

We will be investing and training staff members in the AVID program. Information on AVID has already been emailed to you earlier this year.

By year 5 of the grant, we will be offering dual credit (college and high school) or career certification programs for all of our students. Our goal is that all of our students will graduate with at least 6 college credits and/or earn a professional certification. The grant will help to pay for those credits or certification assessments.