National Career Academy Coalition Conference
Article Submitted by: Judy Stein
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Career Academy Model, which was celebrated in the city where academy concepts started. Special conference events and activities were held in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forty years ago, the first career academy opened its doors at Edison High School in Philadelphia. Today, there are thousands of career academies throughout the country, and academies are recognized by many as the best in-school model for student success. This conference provided opportunity for dialogue, exploration, and networking which will continue to move academies and smaller learning communities to the highest level.
Featured speakers included Betsy Brand, the Executive Director for American Youth Policy, and Glenn A. Cummings, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. DOE Office of Vocational and Adult Education. Constance Scotchel-Gross, Manager of Career Education in Palm Beach County, presented a workshop with Dr. Judith Stein on Florida’s Career Academies on the Hill: A Model for Success. This presentation highlights the unique partnership with Career Education, business, and the legislature of Florida. Ms. Scotchel-Gross also spoke on The Role of Career Academies on Education Improvement.
Dr. Kathy Weigel, Principal at Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach, participated in a panel with principals from Arkansas and Michigan to discuss Career Academies through the Eyes of Administration. In addition, Dr. Weigel engaged a ‘how to’ session that described the journey, process, success, outcomes, and setbacks of student decisions that resulted in a graduation rate which soared to be the highest in the school’s history. Arty Falk, Community School Director at Palm Beach Gardens Community High School, facilitated Incorporating Themed Projects into Your Academy Classes where participants collaborated to identify successful projects that can be used in their academies.
Nicole McKessy, a 2005 Atlantic Community High School graduate of the Criminal Justice Academy, received the Exemplary Academy Alumni award. Nicole is currently a Community Service Officer for the Delray Beach Police Department where she writes traffic citations, investigates accidents, patrols the city streets, and assists her fellow officers.
Constance Scotchel-Gross said, “It was such a privilege to be involved in this conference honoring of the 40th anniversary of the history of Career Education. This is a reminder of how we have grown and to encourage us to continue promoting Career Education for the betterment of all students.”
