Open Forum

Hello theatre colleagues,
Our district has decided to transition to the "academy" format (Ford Next Generation Learning. I would love to hear both positive and negative experiences from other high school theatre teachers that have experienced a transition to academy format, as well as any advice to protect the integrity of the program. 

Currently, our school has block scheduling with 2 full-time theatre teachers.  In the fall we offer 3 sections of Theatre 1, 1 section of Theatre 2, 1 Advanced Stage Tech and 1 Musical Theatre (production class).  In the spring we offer 3 sections of Theatre 1, 1 section of Theatre 2, 1 Advanced Stage Tech, 1 Advanced Performance (Production class).  The advanced classes are by interview/ audition only during the prior year.  This class-based format has been extremely successful at our school for over 25 years.  

The principal has said that graduation requirements won't change, so our master schedule shouldn't change.  She has also said that students from any academy can take performing arts electives.  My concern is that over time, our numbers will diminish because students will have to meet specific requirements for their academy pathway and may not have the space in their schedule to allow for them to be involved in advanced theatre classes.  For example, our costume crew head last fall plans on going into nursing. In 5 years would that student have the space to participate 3 years in a row in an elective that has nothing to do with their pathway?  

I would love to hear from others who have experienced this transition and learn about the potential pros and cons of this system overhaul.  Thank you!
Katie Alley
katie.alley@knoxschools.org
beardentheatre.com

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Katie Alley
Theatre Teacher
TN
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sumular to your academy, we have Career technical Education that follow pathways. It sometimes becomes difficult for our
theatre students to stay in program and complete their pathway because of course requirements...


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Ginger Latimer
Performing Arts Chair/ Theatre Director
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2022 14:56
From: Katie Alley
Subject: Ford NGL Academy Format and its effect on theatre programs

Hello theatre colleagues,
Our district has decided to transition to the "academy" format (Ford Next Generation Learning. I would love to hear both positive and negative experiences from other high school theatre teachers that have experienced a transition to academy format, as well as any advice to protect the integrity of the program.

Currently, our school has block scheduling with 2 full-time theatre teachers.  In the fall we offer 3 sections of Theatre 1, 1 section of Theatre 2, 1 Advanced Stage Tech and 1 Musical Theatre (production class).  In the spring we offer 3 sections of Theatre 1, 1 section of Theatre 2, 1 Advanced Stage Tech, 1 Advanced Performance (Production class).  The advanced classes are by interview/ audition only during the prior year.  This class-based format has been extremely successful at our school for over 25 years.

The principal has said that graduation requirements won't change, so our master schedule shouldn't change.  She has also said that students from any academy can take performing arts electives.  My concern is that over time, our numbers will diminish because students will have to meet specific requirements for their academy pathway and may not have the space in their schedule to allow for them to be involved in advanced theatre classes.  For example, our costume crew head last fall plans on going into nursing. In 5 years would that student have the space to participate 3 years in a row in an elective that has nothing to do with their pathway?

I would love to hear from others who have experienced this transition and learn about the potential pros and cons of this system overhaul.  Thank you!
Katie Alley
katie.alley@knoxschools.org
beardentheatre.com

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Katie Alley
Theatre Teacher
TN
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