Action Research Project Update:

The re-evaluation of the rubric was completed in Dec. of 2012 for the selection of the 2013/2014 incoming freshman class.  The new rubric relied more heavily on classroom performance and academic rigor of classes taken in middle school.  In addition, more weight was given to teacher evaluations of the target subject areas of ELA and SS.  In addition, the entrance essay was given slightly more weight both in content and mechanics.  The standardized tests weightings were reduced.  The initial survey results of the mentor/mentee program have been returned.  Currently my master mentors and I are reviewing the data to adjust the match-up process and initial orientation to take place at the end of April.  So far we have determined to match on things relatively unrelated to academy activities such as involvement in band or athletics.  If there is no designated interest in activities like those that require a high involvement of committed hours, we will revert back to academy criteria for matching.  As to date, only one exit interview has been conducted.  The results of that interview indicate dissatisfaction on the social integration, which is the aim of the mentor/mentee program.  Three more exit interviews are scheduled. Preliminary data indicates schedule/academic conflicts as the reason for voluntary withdrawal.  The grades for academy classes are continually under data analysis and gathering.  It is too early to draw conclusions.  Research with other academies of a similar model are ongoing.  We are currently working with another academy in the development of our senior capstone course curriculum.  The partner academy has offered the course for seven years with success.  We are also going to engage in a distance learning instance where we broadcast our Global Issues Summit to them live.  The compiling of data for the 2013/2014 entering class is in process.  In addition, the district has started an Academy Task Force Committee to evaluate the effectiveness of academies.  We have both parent and student representation on this academy.  I regularly provide data to them and take into account their feedback.  Overall, it appears that the retention between 9^th and 10^th grade for the class of 2016 will be significantly higher than that of 2015.  I hope to raise that retention rate even more for 2017.  Factors beyond our control, such as moving, will be accounted for in an appropriate manner.  I am concerned with dissatisfaction on a social level and those students who cannot maintain our academic standards.