Saturday, April 27, 2013

Sparta High School Career Academy


     Sparta High School is excited to announce the creation of the Sparta High School Career Academy.  The Academy will offer students an opportunity to earn a Sparta High School diploma, by following a curriculum that has an intense focus on the individual needs of the student, as well as college and career readiness.  An experienced and energetic staff will help students identify their skills, abilities, and passions.  Whenever possible, course work will be designed to implement a student’s career pathway (i.e. Instead of writing a paper on Of Mice and Men, students would write a paper on a relevant topic within in the Agri/Science industry).
     Please join us for an informational meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 (6:00 -7:00 pm in the library at SHS).   The meeting will cover the following topics:
1.      Overview of the Academy
a.       All of the Michigan Merit Curriculum expectations remain
b.      Employability courses and experience will be graduation requirements
c.       Juniors and Seniors will have experiences at KCTC or in our Career Intern Program
d.      The role of blended instruction, project based learning,  and credit recovery
2.      Application Process
a.       Enrollment into the Academy will be treated like the application process for colleges an jobs.
b.      Application requirements and time lines
c.       Not all applicants are guaranteed in a place in the Academy
3.      Graduation Requirements  (Draft, pending action by the School Board)
a.       The 19 Michigan Merit Curriculum Credits
                                                              i.      4 Math  (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, senior year math)
                                                            ii.      4 English (English 9,  English 10, English 11, English 12)
                                                          iii.      3 Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics,  3rd science)
                                                          iv.      3 Social Studies  (World History, US History,  Civics/Econ)
                                                            v.      1 PE/Health
                                                          vi.      1 Visual Performing or Applied Arts
                                                        vii.      1 On-line
                                                      viii.      2 Foreign Language
b.      7 additional Career Based electives
                                                              i.      3 Career Readiness  (KCTC, Career Intern, or  other approved experience)
                                                            ii.      1  Employability
                                                          iii.      1 Leadership
                                                          iv.      1 On-Line
                                                            v.      1  Seminar (Academic Success)