#The National Academy Foundation’s Academy Development Model helps engaged schools and district leaders, along with community partners, decide whether to introduce or expand the NAF Academy Model in their communities. The Academy Model provides a vehicle by which stakeholders beyond the walls of the school contribute to the success and educational experiences of youth. When Academies are developed carefully and thoroughly, the impact on students is substantial. The materials below share several of the important tools, processes, and key ideas that support the development of successful Academies.

# Academy Development: a case study video documenting several of the Bronx School of Law & Finance’s successful programs and best practices, including Advisory, Curricular Integration, Internships, and Personalization.

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Academy Development
Support Materials

Design Studio: New York City

# In October 2007, the NAF hosted its first Design Studio in New York City. This two-day leadership workshop brought together students, teachers, and administrators from select New York City public high schools to explore key issues related to effective small-learning community development. On successive days at the Bronx School of Law & Finance and Manhattan Bridges High School, participants shared ideas and experiences, and reviewed best practices and program models for exemplary Academies and effective SLCs.

View the New York City Design Studio website

The Year of Planning

# A key component of the Academy Development Model, the Year of Planning is based on the work of dedicated Design Teams, documenting and supporting preliminary program development activities through the creation of YOP Portfolios. This work focuses on essential elements for success in an Academy, including alignment with district and school administration, building collaborative multidisciplinary teaching teams, reaching out to students and alumni, and creating effective relationships with local business and community partners.

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The YOP: a video introduction to the Year of Planning in the words and experiences of NAF Network members.

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Professional Development: a case study documenting a YOP Digital Storytelling Workshop in San Francisco. Watch teaching teams from two schools develop an outreach and communications video as part of their planning work during their Year of Planning.

Watch video See samples of YOP Team projects and additional video case studies

Aspire Workgroup

# Aspire Team Members: Use the link below to go directly to the Weboffice log in page, which provides access to the Aspire Workgroup website and administrative dashboard. Check for updates on the Design Studio scheduling, share examples of your work and participate in the discussion about Academy Development.

Log in to the website

Advisory Board Development

# An NAF Advisory Board provides a platform for communication between educators and representatives from the public and private sectors within a community. Board members offer a variety of resources to local Academy Directors and staff, and school districts rely upon Board support to provide students with in-class expertise and workplace opportunities so students can explore careers in specific industries.

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Advisory Board: a video introduction to four key aspects of the Advisory Board experience: a board meeting, a professional day for students, internships, and alumni.

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Advisory Board Development: an outreach video created by the NAF instructors from Omaha Public Schools during a professional development digital storytelling workshop hosted by the Pearson Foundation.

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