Dr. Ehren Jarrett, assistant superintendent of RPS 205 and chair of the Alignment Rockford High School Pathways Committee, was particularly impressed.  “The Alignment Institute was extremely valuable to our D-205 team.  In addition to having the opportunity to visit three comprehensive high schools that were utilizing the academy concept, we also saw numerous demonstrations of the power of alignment.  Academy visits to Maplewood, McGavock and Glencliff schools were all extremely insightful.  We were able to sit in on team meetings, visit facilities, and talk to students, teachers and school leaders.

Dr. Jarrett added, “Beyond the academy concept, we also saw the impact of alignment based programs like the Developing Community Leaders and Village programs.  A particular highlight was the working credit union at McGavock High School that was funded through a $100,000 donation from a local credit union.  In addition, alignment training was extremely important to developing my capacity for understanding the power of the alignment process.  With over 22 working committees, it is easy to see the impact the alignment process has had in Nashville.  It was also reassuring to compare (Rockford’s) well-developed alignment process with some of the other communities newer to the alignment concept.”

Visiting the Academies of Nashville – A highlight of the Nashville trip was getting inside three of their high schools to see firsthand these wall-to-wall academies.  Don Rundall, principal of Rockford’s Jefferson High School, liked what he saw.  “I have really enjoyed this trip to Nashville.  The first day I was able to speak with students.  This was the best part of the trip for me.  It helped me understand the student’s perspective on academies.  We were able to view an SLP meeting.  I really enjoyed the discussion of the different interventions that were going to be put in place for a struggling student.  I also appreciated that more than one teacher made a parent contact.

Principal Rundall added, “The second visit was great.  I was able to have the individual attention of the scheduling Assistant Principal.  We got a great understanding when it comes to scheduling the different academies.  She described a number of interventions in place to help students achieve.  This trip was packed with information.  I am finally feeling ready for the next step.  I truly believe this program will make a LIFE-CHANGING difference for our students.”

Devon LaRosa, assistant principal at Jefferson, was equally enthusiastic.  “Truly, I tell you, the trip to Nashville has been a rewarding experience.  I feel as if I have been given an opportunity to be involved in a program that could better Rockford’s secondary education system.  After having witnessed the fruits of high school academies in Nashville, it is my professional opinion that Jefferson could significantly benefit from them.  The academy model is real world, pragmatic, and creates community that supports education.”

The alignment process works.  It raises student achievement.  It improves the health and happiness of our children.  And it advances the economic and social well-being of our community.  We are on the right track, and we’re excited about what’s to come.