Definition of Smaller Learning Communities:

·        an environment in which a group of teachers knows the needs, interests, and aspirations of each student well, closely monitors each student’s progress, and provides the academic and other support each student needs to succeed

·         includes an interdisciplinary which team shares about 120 students in common for instruction, assumes responsibility for their educational progress across years of school, and exercises maximum flexibility to act on knowledge of students’ needs

Goals of Smaller Learning Communities:

·        Ensure students receive the service they need  in order to experience academic success

·        Comprehensive guidance and academic advising to students and parents

·        Provide students a sequence of rigorous core courses that equip them for postsecondary education/careers

They offer a college-preparatory curriculum, provide extensive and sustained personalized contact between teachers and students, and career-related work-based learning experiences. As one of the oldest kinds of high school reform in the nation, career academies have existed for over 35 years.