Career Academies (The Three R's)

A career academy is a small, personalized learning community within a high school setting where students learn both academic and technical curricula within the framework of an industry or career area. The academy involves teachers from different subjects working together as an academy team, sharing common planning time to collaborate on the implementation of the academy concept and curriculum. The group model for teachers and students establishes a family-like atmosphere and results in meaningful student-teacher interaction that supports rigor, relevance, and relationships.

Rigor:

• There are high expectations of achievement for all students.
• Students benefit from access to college and career prep curriculum.
• Curriculum meets or exceeds state standards, college entrance requirements, and industry standards.
• Major area of interest selected is part of the student’s personalized education and career plan.
• Students are engaged in planning and making decisions that will shape their future.

Relevance:

• Students select their program of study based on life goals and career interests.
• Students are provided pathways to postsecondary education.
• Students are motivated by applied, contextual, project-based teaching and learning.
• Students gain valuable career experience through internship and externship opportunities.
• Students develop skills important to success in careers, life, and society.

Relationships:

• The career academy environment allows for students and teachers to have a sense of community.
• Students are grouped together over several years with advisors and teachers.
• Academy advisory groups serve as role models, mentors, and advisors.
• Industry relationships create networking opportunities for student

The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has recognized the career academy model as a comprehensive approach to school restructuring at the secondary level. Career academies are designed to help young people become more engaged in school and prepare them for post-secondary education and/or employment.

The Benefits:

• Personalized and supportive learning environment
• Rigorous technical coursework
• Relative teaching and comprehension strategies
• Integration of academics and career and technical education curriculum
• Leadership and teamwork skills
• Strong relationships built among teachers, peers, and employers
• Career path development, internships, and work-based learning opportunities
• Dual enrollment opportunities at the post-secondary technical center, community college, and university level