Capacities
Core teachers in English, Math, Science, and Social Sciences and in elective courses such as Web Design, Videography, Computerized Art, Business/Marketing and Medical/Biological Sciences
35 students (max) per class
6 periods per day maximum teacher load
1,200 students in the Core Magnet classes’ Maximum capacity does not include after school programs and clubs
Questions and Concerns
• Building rewired to meet the demands of the course offerings
• Technological training provided for the academy staff
• Grant obtained to assist in the technological and developmental needs of the students
• Courses offered to SPED students
Why the name Technology Innovations Academy
Principal Wilson continually states that “…whatever program we put forth, the kids must be able to actually accomplish…” As an example, if we say our students are learning video production technology the hype must pass the reality test.
The word “technology” refers to the technological aspect of the Magnet (e.g. the cameras, network, and computers used in the program). The word “innovation” refers to the act of introducing something new.
The way technology is used at Montebello High School is first the students learn current principles and themes (e.g. HTML, computer operation systems, programming, etc.) then develop innovations (new concepts) in the areas of design (gaming, web) science (biology, chemistry) and the visual/audio arts (audio engineering, video production, etc.) Courses in the areas of journalism, business, marketing, and scripting are addressed through technological specific pedagogy allowing the teachers to teach through
and not to technology in their core subjects. The word "academy" allows us to attract some of the best talent from within our school and throughout the metropolitan area as suggested by the Denver Plan.
What do we offer? Or why do we offer what we offer
Our course offerings reflect an adherence to district, state and national standards. They address the future skill sets the students need as they matriculate to college. The offerings concentrate on attainable inquiry, while exploring the far reaches of innovation through technology.
Our series of classes reflect a comprehensive integration of technology, visual arts, and core curriculum classes. The program allows for technological inclusion for all without sacrificing the marketable skill sets, which accompanies a dedicated program.
Our Model
Montebello is a professional learning community; it is who we are… not what we do. As such, our emphasis is on learning proven skill sets that will empower our students to remain marketable, technologically apt, matriculate to college and beyond. Our programs are similar to a small college campus where knowledge integrates and draws from multiple sources. Our student services, business/marketing, bio-tech, are not separate entities rather part of an overall learning community.
What do (or can) I learn
It depends on who you are and your desires. All students of our professional learning community must take a minimum of four core technological courses that align with the district objectives and address the Draft Confidential Page 2 4/1/2008 foundational areas of technology. Students seeking certification are required to take a minimum of seven to
nine courses depending on area of concentration. Concentration areas are:
• Web Programming (Web design and 3-D Animation)
• PC Programming/Gaming Design
• Pre-Engineering (computer, mechanical, electrical, and structural)
• Bio-Technology/ EMT
• Audio Engineering
• Videography Cinematography / Engineering
• Journalism
• Math/Science
Student Portfolio
• Transcript of current courses taken and projection of future course offerings
• Resume – detailing future goals and aspirations, Community work, Volunteer and other activities
• Projects completed in line with program focus
• Current copy of completed FASFA (Seniors)
• College application (Seniors)
• SAT/ACT Scores (Junior/Senior)
Classes to be offered
The first level of all the core courses and introductory to technology (Freshman and Sophomores / 2007- 2008 Juniors and Seniors)
Students Served
The first year of the Technology Innovations Magnet started with 475 students in the 2006-2007 school year with plans to grow to 675 in year 2007-2008 eventually reaching capacity in the 2009-2010 school year.
Requirements for
Technology Innovations Academy
- Minimum of 2 college level courses – This includes Accelerated, AP, or Post Secondary Educational Options (PSEO)/college classes before graduation. Technology students must have at least one college level course in a Technology related area.
- Accelerated, Advanced Placement, PSEO or CU Succeed Core Classes
- Advanced Technology Courses – Level 3 High School Courses and/or CU Succeeds and PSEO Technology Courses
- Minimum of 4 technology courses in at least 2 of the following areas:
- Web Programming (Web Design and 3D Animation)
- PC Programming/Gaming Design
- Pre-Engineering (computer, mechanical, electrical, and structural)
- Bio-Technology/EMT
- Audio Engineering
- Videography/Cinematography Engineering
- Journalism
- Students seeking certification are required to take a minimum of 7 to 9 courses (this depends on the areas of concentration).
- Technology Innovation students who successfully complete 6 college level courses with a 2.7 GPA or higher will receive special honors upon graduation:
- Distinction – Successfully completing 6 college level courses with 2.7 GPA or higher
- High Distinction – Successfully completing 6 college level courses with 3.0 to 3.5 GPA
- Highest Distinction – Successfully completing 6 college level courses with 3.5 GPA or Higher
- Successfully complete Montbello High School core requirements:
- Four years of Math
- Algebra – 9th Grade
- Geometry – 10th Grade or Advanced 9th Grade students who passed Algebra in 8th grade
- Accelerate Geometry (Geometry X) – Advanced 10th Grade students
- Advanced Algebra – 11th Grade or Advanced 10th Grade students
- Algebra X 3/4 -- Advanced 11th Graders or Advanced 10th Grade students
- Trigonometry/Analytical Geometry – Must have completed Advanced Algebra
- PSEO College Algebra – Must have completed Advanced Algebra and meet AccuPlacer or ACT score
- Four years of English
- Introduction to Literature – 9th Grade
- Accelerated Introduction to Literature – Advanced 9th Grade Students
- American Literature – 10th Grade
- Accelerated American Literature – Advanced 10th Grade Students
- World Literature – 11th Grade Students
- Advanced Placement (AP) Literature – Must have successfully completed American Literature
- AP Language – Must have successfully completed American Literature completed American Literature
- PSEO College English – Must have successfully completed American Literature and meet AccuPlacer or ACT score
- CU Succeeds Fundamentals of Communication – Must have successfully completed American Literature
- Interpersonal Communication – Must have completed Fundamentals of Communication
- CU Succeeds Public Speaking – Must have successfully completed American Literature
- Four years or Social Studies
- Geography – 9th Grade
- AP Geography – Advanced 9th Graders and 10th through 12th grade elective students
- American History – 10th Grade Students
- Accelerated US History – Advanced 10th Grade Students
- Civics/American Government – Must have completed US History
- AP Government and Politics – Must have completed US History
- AP World History – Must have completed US history
- PSEO College History – Must have successfully completed US History and meet AccuPlacer or ACT score
- CU Succeeds African American/Chicano History – Must have successfully completed US History
- CU Succeeds Criminal Justice – Must have successfully completed US History
- CU Succeeds Ethnic Studies – Must have successfully completed US History
- Four Years of Science
- Earth Science – 9th Grade
- Accelerated Earth Science – Advanced 9th Grade students
- Biology – 10th Grade students and 9th Grade students who passed Earth Science in 9th Grade
- Accelerated Biology -- Advanced 10th Grade students
- AP Biology – Advanced 10th Grade students and 11th and 12th grade students who have completed Earth Science and regular Biology
- CU Succeeds Biology – Must have successfully completed high school Biology
- Anatomy/Physiology – Must have completed Biology (11th and 12th Grade Students)
- Chemistry – Must have completed Biology (11th and 12th Grade Students)
- AP Chemistry – Must have completed Chemistry (11th and 12th Grade Students)
- PSEO College Science Course – Must have successfully completed high school biology and meet AccuPlacer or ACT score
- Minimum Two Years of Foreign Language
- Spanish I – Entry level Spanish Course for non-Native Spanish speakers
- Spanish II – Must have completed Spanish II
- Spanish 3x – Must have successfully completed Spanish II
- AP Spanish – Must have successfully completed Spanish 3x
- Spanish for Native Speakers – Must be a native Spanish Speaker
- Spanish Reading and Composition X – Must have completed Spanish for Native Speakers
- French I – Entry level class
- One entry level computer/business course
- Introduction to Computers
- Business Management
- Media I
- Web Design I
- Minimum of 1 Years of Visual or Musical Arts
- Arts/Crafts I
- Arts/Crafts II
- Ceramics I
- Ceramics II
- Drawing/Painting
- Beginning Band
- Concert Band
- Orchestra
- Gospel/Jazz Choir
- Film Production
- Music Sight
- Minimum 1 year of Physical Education or Equivalent
- Team Sports
- Fitness and Conditioning I
- Fitness and Conditioning II
- Body Works
- Dance
- JROTC
- Minimum of 4 years of Montbello High School Mentoring (Students may be exempt from mentoring if their college schedule conflicts with the 5th period mentoring) Mentoring classes will focus on study skills, college preparedness, and life skills
Students assigned to the Technology Academy will be taught by a core team of Technology Academy teachers who share a common group of students and plan collaboratively to develop strategies to support their academy students. These teachers will receive ongoing training on how to incorporate technology into the classroom as instructional tools and for use in class projects. Additionally these teachers incorporate college expectations into the classroom to help prepare students for success in technical, vocational, 2-year, or 4-year colleges and universities.
Why Technology Innovations Academy
At Montbello we believe that all students should be prepared to be successful in college upon graduation of high school. In order to be successful in college students must experience the high expectations in terms of course work and expectations while in high school. The Early College Academy aims to prepare students for the expectations they can expect at a liberal arts college or university. Students will be challenged to read, write, and problem solve at high levels in order to prepare them for success in college.
Questions:
Can Technology Innovations Students also take Early College Academy Courses?
Yes. Students in the Technology Innovations Academy are required to take a minimum of 2-4 college level courses. Dependant on their area of concentration, technical expertise and acumen they may (and are highly encouraged) to take more
What support is provided for students who struggle academically?
There are several support opportunities available for students who struggle academically. Students may sign for Study Hall on their schedule where they will use PLATO software to regularly work on areas in math, English, social studies, and science that they struggle with. Students may come into the Student Service Centers in rooms 209 and 210 for tutoring in the mornings, lunch, and after school until 4pm. Teachers will use test data and grades to identify students who struggle in classrooms and target them for extra help during elective periods. Montbello High School offers English Intervention and Math Intervention classes to help students attain proficiency in these areas. Read 180 is made available t students who read two or more grade levels below at the 9th and 10th grade levels. Academy teachers will arrange to provide extra tutoring for students who meet with them personally to set up a time to tutor.
What college options are available and what is the cost?
Students may take college level classes offered in all of the core subjects and in elective areas as well. The college level classes include Accelerated and Advanced Placement classes taught by teachers who have received AP training from the College Board as well as CU Succeed (University of Colorado-Denver) and Community College of Aurora classes that are taught by professors from the respective schools (some Montbello High School teachers have been hired an adjunct professors by UCD and some professors come to the school directly from the college campus). Students who take classes at CCA travel to the campus for the classes and return to Montbello High School in the afternoon to take classes our campus. Students who take college classes can usually get them paid for through the Post Secondary Educational Options (PSEO) fund. Students who take classes at CCA qualify to have their classes completely funded through PSEO, including the cost of books. Students at CCA do have to receive an acceptable Accuplacer Score (See Assistant Principal Ms. Geffre or ask your counselor for details) or an acceptable ACT score in order to qualify to take classes and to receive this funding. There may be a cost to the AccuPlacer assessment depending upon when you take the course (See Ms. Geffre). Students who take CU Succeeds courses pay of $75 in order to take the course, the school pays the remainder of the costs for the class. The fee does include the books. Students taking AP Courses are charged $85 for the course; however, the school will pay the cost of these courses for all students who take the AP exam. Students who do not take the exam will have to pay the full $85, no exceptions. Students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch MUST complete a fee waiver form with the Treasurer. Failure to do so will result in the student being charged $72 for the AP course.
How will taking these courses affect my GPA?
Students who take college level courses receive weighted grades? Therefore earning a “C” for instance in a regular course is equivalent to earning a “B” in a non-weighted course. Students with more college-level courses have the opportunity to earn higher GPA’s and therefore have a greater chance of successfully competing for admission into colleges and universities and also for scholarships. Student-Athletes with higher GPA’s are also more likely to meet NCAA College Clearinghouse requirements.
Why take college-level courses?
The best predictor of success in college and on college admissions courses has to do with taking rigorous classes. High school students who successfully completed college-level classes in the core areas graduate college at much higher levels than students shoo do not. In addition to this, students who have taken several college-level classes score higher on required college admission tests such as the ACT and SAT. All four year institutions determine acceptance into their school and provide scholarships to students admitted in part based on ACT or SAT scores. If you are serious about going to college and being prepared you need to take college-level courses while in high school. Also students who successfully pass college-level classes have higher class rankings than those students who do not. Class rank is important because it qualifies students for certain scholarships and honors upon graduation and even admittance into prestigious colleges and universities.
