In this section

1. What is a Small Learning Community?

2. What is a Career Academy?

3. Why are these good ideas?

4. How do you form an SLC or Career Academy?

5. How many SLCs or Career Academies should a high school have?

6. What are the curricular implications of SLCs and Academies?

7. What is the role of employers and higher education in Career Academies?

8. Are there reasons not to implement SLCs/Academies?

9. How do you know if they’re helping?

10. Where can I get help?

SLCs and Career Academies

What is a Small Learning Community?

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Many high schools are using SLCs and career academies to prepare students for college, careers, and responsible citizenship.

The United States Department of Education (ED) defines a Small Learning Community (SLC) as “an environment in which a core group of teachers and other adults within the school 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.”

Usually teachers from different disciplines (e.g., English, social studies, science, math) work as a team to show students connections among their subjects, form a more supportive learning environment, and help students prepare for college and careers.

Some SLCs include only students from one grade level, as in ninth grade academies or houses.  Other SLCs group students from more than one grade level.

Some SLCs have themes.  Career academies are an example of SLCs with career-related themes.  SLCs also may have themes that are not related to work or careers.

Schools with federal SLC grants are asked to place all their students, grades 9-12, into such structures.  Good sources of information about SLCs are ED and the Northwest Regional Education Lab, NWREL, which has a contract from ED to provide information about and support to SLCs.