Spotlight on Innovative Learning Environments
Appoquinimink School District Ninth Grade Academy
Appoquinimink School District's Ninth Grade Academy (NGA) was created to effectively transition ninth graders into self-sufficient high school students. The "school within a school" model provides a nurturing environment that builds students' skills, desire, and confidence. NGA offers various electives, challenging academic courses such as honors and college prep, and connections to career pathways. The Academy has its own educational program, staff, students, budget, sports, yearbook, and dances.
How does it work?
- NGA was created as a "school within a school" with courses contained in a dedicated wing at Middletown High School, but rapid enrollment prohibited the use of that space. While the district builds a second high school, NGA operates in a new facility, the Alfred G. Waters School, and serves every ninth-grader in the district (approximately 625 in 2007-08). After the high school is built, NGA will move into both high school campuses.
- Students are given a "high school preview" night in February, and course guides are distributed in April. Students attend three core courses each day. Math and English are offered as year long courses. Students take a blocked semester of science and a blocked semester of social studies. An Extended Time Program provides personalized instruction to students who need additional assistance in a small group, after-school setting.
- Appoquinimink School District offers a variety of parent engagement opportunities, including an NGA website and newsletter, automated parent reminders and announcements, instant access to teachers and administrators via email, and Parent Information Exchange meetings. An Evening Parents Academy provides information on a variety of topics including "Getting Ready For College" and "Career & Early College Preparation". These workshops are free and babysitting is provided.
What are the results?
- The reading scores for students in grade nine have risen consistently over the past five years. From 2002 to 2006, scale scores increased more than eight points.
- The average math scale score for students in grade 9 increased in each of the past five years. The total increase over the period from 2002 to 2006 was almost 13 points.
- Says Principal Donna Mitchell, "One of the biggest benefits of NGA is the creation of a small learning community, led by an administrator and guidance counselor who know every student by name. Ninth grade students benefit from an enhanced sense of community. Courses are taught in a block schedule, allowing for intense "time on task," which maximizes student achievement."
- Dr. Eileen McAllister, the Curriculum Director for Secondary Education adds, "The ultimate goal of the NGA is to provide 9th grade students every opportunity to meet with academic, social and emotional success as they begin their high school careers."
- Research has demonstrated that small learning communities, or school-within-a school models, contribute to student achievement, attendance, discipline, and self-esteem, as well as teacher morale. Smaller schools generally create a greater sense of community, where students feel more connected, and teachers have more opportunities to support their students. (U.S. Department of Education Smaller Learning Communities Program)
How does Vision 2015 address small learning communities?
Vision 2015 recommends:
- Meeting the diverse needs of Delaware's students, especially at the high school level, where lack of engagement is a major contributor to the dropout crisis
- Increasing instructional options by creating new schools and converting other schools
- Identify and providing funding to start and replicate best practice schools that work
- Encouraging parent involvement in student learning.
- Increasing academic time to allow for a diverse range of programs to meet individual student needs.
- Offering training to families and strengthening school-family ties.
Where can I learn more?
Appoquinimink School District Website
Vision 2015 Website
