In the summer of 2005, teachers came together to begin planning for the implementation of the FSA. It was a challenge as teachers came together to work as teams for the very first time
What benefits have emerged as a result of academic teaming in the FSA?
“As a result of academic teaming, the culture of the large high school has been redefined. The
Freshman Success Academy consists of the four smaller communities, or teams. Each of these communities offers increased personalization creating a productive learning environment for the students. The concept of the team creates an opportunity for students to share a bond which increases student collaboration.”
From one of the teacher’s perspective, “Working as teams allows faculty the opportunity to meet together to brainstorm classroom challenges and students benefit because teachers can share information that can help students overcome problems they might be encountering. “As part of the preparation for the FSA, Kevin Stansbury challenged his teachers to choose team names that could be identified as role models for the students.
The faculty chose:
Matthew Henson: The first explorer to reach the North Pole
Ben Carson: The Director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins since 1984.
Sojourner Truth: An enslaved African-American woman who became an abolitionist and a leader in the suffrage movement.
Mae Jemison: The first woman of color to go into space.
Kevin Stansbury has a strong connection to the students in the Freshman Success Academy. He describes himself as a “troublesome student” who would not be where he is today if someone had not helped get him on the right path. He wants his teachers to succeed with instructional practices that engage and motivate the students, and he encourages his teachers to show that they care.
Freshman Success Academy Highlights:
Team Henson created a brochure to introduce themselves to parents.
Sample Transdisciplinary Units
Building a Better World
Metamorphosis
Express Yourself
Creating my Ideal World
Team Sojourner created a website to help students complete their units.
Kevin’s Favorite Book, Fires in the Bathroom.
Kevin Stansbury’s first administrative position is that of vice-principal of the Freshman Success Academy at Plainfield High School. The FSA is the first smaller learning community to be launched at Plainfield High School. In collaboration with IDE and Brown University, Plainfield High School has designed an environment that embraces high social capital and will increase the success of incoming freshman.