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Narrative: In an effort to assist students interested in careers in business and focus academic studies around the business theme, Blackman High school developed a Business Academy. The goals were:
- Set a higher standard for all students;
- Integrate academic and career courses using similar projects and goals;
- Teach students to use academic content to solve real world problems;
- Create a closer relationship between teachers and students; and,
- Provide job shadowing, mentoring for seniors and service learning for students.
It Works! In the first year, fifty-one students enrolled in the academy. In the second year one hundred and twelve students enrolled. The project was successful due to increased levels of self esteem, teamwork skills and pride exhibited by academy students. With a common planning period for academy instructors, collaboration on projects proved much easier and effective. Business partners provided each student with two job shadowing experiences and seniors had mentors for five weeks. Service learning was accomplished by students designing web pages for local non-profit agencies. Additionally, a partnership between the school and Rutherford Bank & Trust led to the creation of a school bank which has enabled students hands-on experiences in operating a financial institution. Students and faculty established over $1,000 in savings accounts.
Contact:
Cindy Boyd
Blackman High School
3956 Wilkerson Crossing
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
(voice) 615-904-3850
(fax) 615-904-904-3851
E-mail: boydcindy@hotmail.com