Cross Sector Collaboration

 

A significant part of the success of the Academies Nashville, as thery were first implemented and as they continue today is the involvement of the different sectors of the local community. Key pieces of the Academy model include collaboration between and among the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors of the city. 

 

Businesses get their chance to participate by sponsoring Academies and courses. They also allow students and teachers to have hands on experience outside of the classroom. Colleges, universities and apprenticeships are providing opportunities for dual-enrollment, which lets students earn college credit in high school and lets parents save money on tuition. The curriculum of the Academies is more focused on student interests, teaching and learning is now project-based, with professional small learning communities and increased community enrichment.

 

The school district turned to the government-managed Chamber of Commerce for labor market statistics in effort to best determine what the job market might look like 10 years from now, which has prompted the public school system to create academies within the schools accordingly. The district also looks at current needs in the local community and the degrees offered in statewide universities, all in the name of creating a “college and career preparation system” (Metro Nashville Public Schools [MNPS], 2010).

 

The academies have also brought new nonprofit partners to public schools.  Working alongside organizations such as PENCIL Foundation, Alignment Nashville,  and Hands on Nashville, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce has helped partner companies and nonprofits with specific academies. In all, the chamber has assisted in bringing along more than 130 community partners to date, including recognizable names like CMT, Ford Motor Company and HCA) (MNPS, 2010). 

 

The Academies of Nashville could not exist in the capicity in which they do without the business and community involvement that is so crucial to the mission and everyday activity and learning that occurs within Nashville's metro public schools. Through donations of time, energy, and resources, local companies and organizations can have a significant and measurable impact on the lives of MNPS students. Specifically, MNPS expects the Academy model to produce immediate improvements in the annual dropout rate and in student attendance. Longer term, the district will track progress toward the goal of 90% of students graduating on time and being college- and career-ready.