Waggener High School Shines as NCAC Insight Onsite Host
Waggener High School recently transformed into a hub of educational innovation, as it proudly hosted educators from across the nation for the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Insight Onsite visit. This wasn't a routine school tour; it was a strategic opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress and achievements of the JCPS Academies of Louisville, with Waggener serving as a shining example for others to emulate. Ten different school districts traveled from across the country to see Waggener’s model of success.
Dr. Pollio's Vision: Engaging Students Through Relevant Curriculum
Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio, a long-time champion of the Academies model, played a pivotal role in welcoming the visiting educators and setting the tone for the event. Drawing upon his personal experiences as a high school principal, Dr. Pollio recalled a student disengaged in chemistry but excelling in welding, even though the student was learning about the same concepts in each class. Dr. Pollio encouraged the chemistry teacher to collaborate with the welding teacher. Soon, students were wanting to learn chemistry in their welding hoods.
This was his proto-Academies moment, which then grew into full implementation when he was principal at Doss. He has championed the Academies as superintendent so all the students can picture a pathway to future success. "Kids care if they are engaged," Dr. Pollio said. Although student engagement peaks in the third grade in the United States, his mission as superintendent has been to challenge this statistic, increasing student engagement through their entire JCPS journey.
Waggener High School: A Beacon of Career-Focused Education
Waggener High School stands at the forefront of career-focused education in Kentucky, proudly holding the distinction of being the first school in the state to earn National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) accreditation for multiple academy programs. This significant accomplishment underscores Waggener's dedication to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences necessary to thrive in today's dynamic workforce. Waggener's journey offers a compelling blueprint for other schools seeking to cultivate a culture of innovation and empower students for success.
A Legacy of Academy Accolades and Continuous Improvement
Waggener's journey with academy accreditation is a testament to its commitment to continuous improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The journey began in 2020, when the Freshman Academy first earned the coveted "Model" status from NCAC. This initial accreditation served as a catalyst for growth, inspiring Waggener to expand its advisory board, strengthen its business partnerships, and create more opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
As Waggener principal Dr. Sarah Hitchings noted, the NCAC accreditation process is not merely a one-time event but a four-year cycle of assessment, reflection, and refinement. The school knew that the accreditation in 2020 was just the beginning and used it to improve every facet of the program. The NCAC status helped Waggener to enhance their Freshman Academy Advisory Board meetings by bringing in more community partners.
"Model with Distinction" - A Testament to Excellence
The Freshman Academy's subsequent achievement of the "Model with Distinction" status further solidified Waggener's position as a national leader in career-focused education. Earning an impressive score of 129.15 out of a possible 130 points during the NCAC accreditation process, the Freshman Academy ranks among the top 2% of academies nationwide.
Several key initiatives and strategic partnerships have been instrumental in propelling Waggener's freshmen toward success. For instance, all 9th-grade students participate in the Career Exploration Course, gaining valuable insights into various career pathways and post-secondary options. All of the freshmen visit WKU, and they are able to take part in dual credit classes at WKU. That has been made possible by a wonderful partnership with the Prospect/Goshen Rotary Club. Beyond that, relationships with Dare to Care, Spectrum, and Class Act FCU have given the students real world insights.
The College Now Program: A Head Start on Higher Education
Through the College Now program, Waggener students have the opportunity to earn up to 30 hours of college credit while still in high school, putting them on the fast track to higher education. In addition, the Health Science, IT & Law pathways offer state-of-the-art learning environments for students. With a focus on individualized support, the College Now program also provides juniors and seniors with college counseling, providing essay-writing assistance, plus financial aid and scholarship application assistance.
What Makes Waggener Special? A Focus on Support and Culture
At Waggener High School, the overarching goal is to ensure that all students graduate equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. To make sure they reach that goal, Waggener helps the students develop a career path, such as EKG Technician, Pre-Nursing, Computer Programming, or Pre-Law. By providing relevant educational experiences and fostering strong community partnerships, the students at Waggener are given all that they need to succeed.
What makes Waggener High School truly special is its unwavering commitment to its students, fostered by a dedicated and experienced staff. According to Dr. Hitchings, Waggener's unique success stems from being "a real school with real challenges making things work." The school's ability to navigate these challenges is greatly enhanced by its remarkably high teacher retention rate of 95.6%. This consistency in staffing creates a stable and supportive learning environment, where teachers develop strong relationships with students and a deep understanding of their individual needs. As a Model Academy, Waggener serves as inspiration for schools across the nation, demonstrating that vision, dedication, and a strong sense of community can create a transformative learning environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
A Lasting Impact: Inspiring Schools Nationwide
As the NCAC Insight Onsite visit drew to a close, it was clear that Waggener High School had left a lasting impression on the visiting educators, sparking new ideas and inspiring them to implement innovative practices in their own schools. The event served as a powerful reminder that with a clear vision, dedicated staff, and a strong commitment to student success, students can achieve their full potential.