The TEACH Academy (Teacher Education Arts and Careers) is a magnet school for teacher education-the first in Indiana and one of the first long-term programs in the U.S.-based at Emmerich Manual High School. A three-year, $650,000 magnet school grant from the U.S. Department of Education was awarded to Indianapolis Public Schools which partnered with Ball State University to develop the program.

MISSION

The magnet program is intended to provide an eight-year academic experience-from the freshman year in high school through the senior year in college-that motivates and prepares students to pursue a career in education.

Other states such as Florida, California, New York and Texas have two- or four-year programs, but IPS and Ball State are the first to create an eight-year curriculum.

ENROLLMENT

During last year's planning phase, more than 20 students participated in the pilot program. This year, the official start of TEACH, 43 freshmen are enrolled. The original projection for this year was 15 freshmen. That number jumped to 30 and then increased again to 43, said Liz Owens, director of the TEACH Academy.

The 25 upper classmen who participated in the pilot program are still considered part of TEACH. Three seniors are now cadet teachers at Emma Donnan Middle School. The total number of students enrolled in the program is 68.

The racial and gender mix of the academy nearly mimics that of IPS. Schools need teachers that represent the student population, Owens said. The academy was certainly pleased to attain both racial and gender balance.

CURRICULUM

TEACH students take college preparatory classes, ones that meet both CORE 40 and Academic Honors Diploma requirements. In addition, students take four, one-year teaching courses:

Teaching 9 (freshman)-Emphasizes self-development skills, such as study habits, life skills and an introduction to technology.

Teaching 10 (sophomore)-Focuses on child development and psychology. TEACH students are paired with elementary-age students in a mentoring capacity.

Teaching 11 (junior)-Students learn about lesson planning and instructional strategies. Students work with high school instructors and begin teaching lessons.

Teaching 12 (senior)-Students work two hours each day at elementary or middle schools as cadet teachers.

By the time students leave this program, they will have more classroom time than many college graduates, Owens said.

TECHNOLOGY

Each student has been given a Palm personal digital assistant and keyboard. Daily use of technology will help teaching students employ computers and other electronic media into lesson plans, Owens said. The technology has also helped create a nearly paperless environment.

Before leaving the academy, students are expected to develop an electronic portfolio that stands as a showcase of their work. Portfolios demonstrate mastery of technology established by in TASC (Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative).

MAGNET SCHOOL CONCEPT

A magnet school focuses on one profession or interest such as teaching, art or science. Any high school student in the district can apply to attend the TEACH Academy. Some students travel by bus 90-minutes one-way to attend the academy, Owens said.

CONTACTS

Liz Owens, director of the TEACH Academy, (317) 226-2234 or owense@mail.ips.k12.in.us.

Roy Weaver, dean of Ball State University Teachers College, (765) 285-5251 or rweaver@bsu.edu.