The Next Generation:

Development of Belief Statements

Final Recommendation

It is the consensus of the Advisory Committee to Develop the High School Education Plan that there be three 9-12 high schools in Juneau: two comprehensive “reformed” high schools of similar size—which will each offer at least three theme-based academies, and an alternative high school of about 200 students which will offer a single theme-based academy. All entering students and their families will receive information and guidance in choosing a school based on a student’s potential interest in an academy or based on other factors, such as size or proximity of the school. Beginning in August 2008, all freshmen in all three high schools will belong to a ninth grade small learning community ranging from 50 to 150 students. Students will be connected to a small group of peers and to an adult advocate through an ongoing advisory program which will help them transition into the academy of their choice beginning in tenth grade. All students in grades ten through twelve will participate in an academy, but may transition among them. All academies will be expected to provide relevant and rigorous instruction which targets post-high school preparation while delivering core classes meeting state standards, including those addressing cultural responsiveness. Comprehensive athletic and activities programs, including intramurals, will be implemented at JDHS and TMHS with Yaakoosge Daakahidi offering its own extracurricular activities and sports program.  The school district will lead a community effort to work for stable and adequate funding to improve equitable and affordable access and expansion of extra curricular activities and sports.   A first-year phase-in will include ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders. This allows current sophomores (the graduating class of 2009) to complete their studies in a generalized comprehensive program at JDHS.  A team of secondary education administrators will be charged with ensuring the implementation of this proposal.

For the full report,  please click the link on the sidebar labeled  Final Recommendations.  

Developing Belief Statements and Proposals

On March 2nd and 3rd, the Advisory Committee met for two full days. During that time they developed a set of Action Belief Statements to guide their work and all future work, and they created a set of proposals to present to the Juneau community for further input. These proposals will be shared in a newsletter mailed to all households and at the next set of public forums scheduled for March 19th, 20th, and 22nd. Additional information on these proposals will also be posted on links to this page in the near future.

Advisory Committee members used the following information to draft their proposals:

• Implications made from studying JDHS and Juneau School District date
• Input from the Community Forums held in January and February, as well as student forums held at Yaakoosge and JDHS
• Research on best practices for high school education
• Current work at JDHS and Yaakoosge to address dropout and graduation rate concerns and to improve student achievement
• Juneau School District strategic plan and goals
• Personal beliefs and perspectives
• Constituency group beliefs and perspectives

Action Belief Statements

The following set of belief statements were developed to guide the work and implementation of the high school educational plan in Juneau.

WE BELIEVE:

• Our main purpose is to create a learning environment that fosters success for all students.
• All members of our learning community deserve choices that ensure equity, challenges, and engagement in a personal, caring environment.
• Mutual respect, open communication, and shared responsibility are essential components of our learning community.
• Collaborative environments are necessary to support the process of continuous learning for staff and students.
• Attaining best practices in teaching through ongoing professional development is essential for success in schools.
• Family and community involvement is essential for the support of all school programs.
• Our graduates will be confident, responsible, resilient, and prepared with 21st century skills for careers and/or educational opportunities in Alaska and beyond.