Anchorage School District staff reported to the Communications Committee on Aug. 28 that academies work this summer included expanded CTE courses, training for college-and-career-exploration teachers, teacher externships with industry partners, and a School Links rollout; staff also shared survey results showing positive reactions to Freshman First Day activities.

Sean Prince, senior director of teaching, presented the academies update with Director Devin Roberts (CTE) and Cindy Chapu (director of college, career and life). Prince said the district continues to implement a college-and-career exploration/personal-finance class at all comprehensive high schools and will hold a career expo in September. Staff reported teacher trainings in May and a cross-district in-service in August to ensure educators are prepared for curriculum revisions.

Staff described School Links as a central hub for students, parents and industry partners; Prince said counselors and teachers will use the platform to coordinate college-and-career exploration and personal-planning activities. Academy coaches used social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and coordinated with communications staff to publicize academy activities.

Academy coaches participated in summer teacher externships with industry partners including HAP and Alaska Resource Education; staff said externships included visits to a rail station, a cruise ship worksite and the North Slope, and that the experiences informed curriculum connections and student internships.

Staff reported that academy coaches won the district Denali award last year and that summer academy coaching work continued to support program growth. Prince noted new and expanded CTE programs for the year, including navigating careers in care, crafting construction careers, exploring business, student enterprise, learning and leadership, mechatronics, natural resources and environmental management (new at West in addition to Diamond), and biotechnology at Polaris. Additional course growth included video production and IT classes at some sites.

On Freshman First Day, staff shared preliminary survey results: 254 staff responses yielded a mean score of 3.79 out of 4; 2,145 student respondents returned a mean score of about 3.5 out of 4 for the day's success. Prince said the student survey remained open through the next day and that results may change slightly but indicated strong early positive feedback.

Staff said the district is expanding CTE sections and new program sites and plans campus visits and a career expo later in September. Committee members asked for continued updates on School Links rollout and program enrollment.