High school students in Nashville soon will have more access to engaging ways to learn tough subjects using teams to solve real-world problems.
The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) have announced that Nashville will be a Leadership Level Next Generation Learning Community. This is part of a redesign of its high school system into smaller learning centers called The Academies of Nashville. The goal is to better prepare high school graduates for college and the careers of tomorrow.
"The Ford PAS model is real-world relevant learning where students learn their academic subjects through the lens of a career," said Cheryl Carrier, manager, Ford PAS. "What makes the Nashville experience so unique is that 82 companies have signed on to support this initiative and the career academies."
Each student will spend three years in a career academy developing their critical thinking, problem solving abilities and teamwork. Each academy will focus on a particular career discipline. At the engineering academy, students will not only be taught science and math, but how to use those skills in real life situations. For example, they may be asked to design a part, determine a suitable type of production material and examine the conditions where it will be used.
There will be academies for manufacturing, business and health, among others. The rigorous, nationally recognized Ford PAS curriculum has been part of MNPS for several years, but the new designation takes participation to a new level.
“The success of Nashville’s public school system will affect the future prosperity of not only the city, but our region,” said Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ralph Schulz. “Academies create a connection with area businesses and students that will bring real-world relevance and inspiration to the next generation of our workforce.”
The Metro Nashville Schools join an elite league of six other cities nationwide. Nashville represents the largest community-wide commitment to the innovative Ford PAS curriculum so far.
