Career Academies and M-DCPS
An increasing number of states and school districts have made the decision to start career academies because they have been effective in improving students' performance (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2005; NASSP, 2005; National High School Alliance, 2004). Studies indicate that students perform better when provided relevant and rigorous instruction in a smaller setting, such as a small learning community or academy. Statistical data shows "significant advantages for academy students in attendance, credits earned towards graduation, grade point averages and retention through high school (Daggett, 2006).

M-DCPS embarked on an ambitious and comprehensive plan that includes various components including the creation of smaller schools and classes, a more rigorous academic program, more relevant career education curricula and effective counseling initiatives that will engage students in learning about options for entering college and the workforce.

Career Academies and the Division of Life Skills & Special Projects
The Career Academies overseen by the Division of Life Skills & Special Projects offer numerous strands in the areas of Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Design, Performing Arts, Communication Arts & Digital Media, and Film & Entertainment.

Click here for comprehensive information about all of the Career Academies currently offered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Senior High School Academy Planning Guide
The Senior High School Academy Planning Guide is designed to assist schools in developing and implementing academies. The Guide is divided into several distinct sections addressing various stakeholders (site administrators, academy teachers, parents, and students) with the intent that pertinent sections can be downloaded and modified as needed for each school. It is meant to be a starting point for new academy design and implementation or used as a tool to revamp an existing academy.

The Senior High School Academy Planning Guide is flexible so that each school leadership team can select the specific course matrices to be adopted based on available staff certifications and resources. However, it is important to note that schools will not be blazing the reform trail in isolation. There will be a significant amount of district support in Curriculum, Support, and School Improvement to assist schools through all the steps of the process.

VIew the complete Senior High School Academy Planning Guide.

Academy District Support Staff
Get in touch with the right person for assistance in planning and implementing an academy.

Please visit the M-DCPS Secondary School Reform web site for more information.