NCAC Academy Design Continuum
The National Career Academy Coalition challenges and supports high schools or districts to enact, maintain, and sustain a design continuum when implementing quality career academies. Based on our knowledge and expertise, NCAC has developed a multi-year implementation continuum that integrates strategic planning, professional learning, data analysis, and tactical actions to ensure a successful implementation. Whether you contract with NCAC or use expertise in your district, the Continuum represents our best thinking about what to provide and when to provide it.
YEAR ONE
Phase I: Action Planning (Aligned with the National Standards of Practice)
Components of Action Planning:
- Assemble a team: School Leadership, Teachers, Community, Students, and Business Partners
- Conduct an audit of your school cross-walked with the high-skill, high-wage occupations
- Develop a Graduate Profile with key performance indicators
- Develop a College and Career Continuum that serves 100% of students
- Result: Three-Year Action Plan in a SMART format
Phase II: Professional Development:
Components of Professional Development:
- Master Scheduling (First Semester)
- Business Engagement Structure (Second Semester)
- Leadership Development—from Team Leads to Principals (Second Semester)
- Program of Study Development (First Semester)
- Freshman College and Career Planning Design (First & Second Semester)
- Curriculum Design for new pathways (Second Semester)
- Academy Mission, Vision and Goals Development (First Semester)
- Communication Strategy & Brand Promise (First Semester)
- Data Dashboard Development (Second Semester)
YEAR TWO
Implement in phases (9th and/or 10th grade)
- High Performance Teams Training (First Semester)
- Project Based Learning Training (First Semester)
- Teaching on the Block Training (if using a block schedule) (First Semester)
- Selection of Industry-Valued Certifications and Teacher Training (Second Semester)
- School Counselor Training (First Semester)
- Student Ambassador Training (Second Semester)
- Branding and Marketing (First Semester)
YEAR THREE
Implement in phases (remaining grades)
- Project Based Learning Training (First Semester)
- Senior Capstone Design (First Semester)
- Student Ambassador Training (First Semester)
- Data Analysis for Continuous Improvement (First Semester)
- Teacher Externships – (Second Semester)
- Baseline Analysis (Second Semester)
Additional Enhancements
- Career Academy Leaders’ Collaborative (CALC)
- Master Career Academy Teacher Certification
- Baseline Analysis and/or Review
- Offsite Learning Opportunities:
- NCAC Conference
- Customized Tours
- Insight Onsites
- Regional Workshops
