Small Learning Communities

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Small Learning Communities

• By Stephanie Smith,
• SLC Site Coordinator

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What is a small learning community or SLC?

• A team of teachers of core subjects such as
  English, Math, Science, and Social Studies,
  which share a few hundred students in common for
  instruction.
• This team of teachers takes responsibility for
  the educational progress of their students across
  their years of school.
• SLCs are approximately 300 to 800 students in
  size.
• SLCs often have one principal.

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Why does Hamilton High School have SLCs?

• We have been awarded a federal grant along with
  four other Memphis schools Craigmont, Kirby,
  Raleigh Egypt, and Trezevant.
• SLCs are a school redesign effort intended to
  create smaller, more learning-centered units of
  organization.
• SLCs break down large comprehensive high schools.
• Smaller schools offer more student
  personalization, stronger relationships, and
  choice and voice for students.
• Less anonymity and apathy

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Three goals of Small Learning Communities

• To improve academic performance
• To improve academic performance
• To increase graduation rate
• To improve student engagement
• To increase attendance
• To reduce 9th grade dropout
• To improve student conduct
• To improve school climate
• To connect students with postsecondary education
  and career plans
• To promote school relevance
• To increase postsecondary enrollment
• To increase the percentage of students that are
  employed after graduation

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How do the SLC grant funds impact HHS?

• SLC site team (Academy leaders and Design
  Implementation team) will work to ensure that the
  strategies are implemented.
• Teachers can attend professional development,
  make site visits to other schools, or engage in
  strategic planning.
• Professional development conference for entire
  faculty during the summer for three to four days
• Funds for travel for professional development
  related to Small Learning Communities.

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How do the SLC grant funds impact HHS?

• Staffing for summer transition camp (Jumpstart)
  for incoming freshman for 15 days
• Funds for supplies and materials for summer
  transition (Jumpstart) camp for incoming freshmen
• Funds for transportation for field trips for
  summer transition camp
• Consultants from other places can come to the
  school and provide staff development

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Elements of SLCs implemented at Hamilton High
School include

• The advisory period
• Every students is assigned to a teacher for their
  advisor. The Advisory program is designed to
  assist students in planning for their future. The
  advisory period serves as an extension of
  guidance to help students connect what they learn
  in school and their goals beyond high school.
• It takes place every Thursday for one hour.
• The Kuder career inventory system is used during
  the advisory period. This online assessment
  helps the students to discover their career
  interests.

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Elements of SLCs implemented at Hamilton High
School include

• Thematic units taught with a career focus for
  Freshman Academy students
• Jumpstart Transition summer camp for incoming
  Freshman for three weeks with fieldtrips
• PLAN or PSAT administered to 10th grade students
  to project ACT and SAT performance
• Senior project with career focus
• Professional Development for school needs

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Hamilton High School has four small learning
communities

• Freshman Academy
• Arts, Humanities, and Communications Academy
• Business and Human Services Academy
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
  Academy

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Design of SLCs implemented at Hamilton High
School include

• 1 Executive Principal to lead the entire school
• 4 Assistant Principals assigned to serve as
  academy principal for each academy or SLC
• 4 Teachers assigned to serve as academy leader
  for each academy or SLC
• 4 Counselors assigned to serve as academy
  counselor for each academy or SLC
• Each academy has its own faculty
• SLC Implementation Team to lead SLC efforts.

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Design of SLCs implemented at Hamilton High
School include

• All students choose a career academy and specific
  career pathway for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.
  This pathway has a unique sequence of courses
  with a career focus which determines the courses
  which student take.
• Business and Community Partnerships Committee
  composed of community members to connect to HHS
• Academy Student Leadership Board composed of
  student leaders for each academy

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Thanks for listening attentively!