Education: The Savannah Compact 2007
The Savannah Compact 2007 is an agreement between the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) (www.sccpss.com) and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce for the enhancement of educational achievement for all students. The commitments are presented as objectives and accountability measures which will serve as a guide for the decisions and actions of the business community and school system in meeting the goal of the Savannah Compact 2007, which is to enhance the success and employability of Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates.
See below for a quick look at the major objectives for this multi-year plan. Click here for the entire document which includes strategies and measurements (link the word “here” to the PDF of the document).
Objectives
1. Increase the percentage of Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates prepared with career specific skills for entry-level employment.
2. Increase the number of Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates completing postsecondary technical skills credentials (technical certificates of credit, diplomas and/or Associate degrees) through dual credit opportunities while still in high school.
3. Increase the number of summer internships/jobs filled by qualified Savannah-Chatham County Public School students.
4. Increase the number of Savannah-Chatham County Public School students involved in externship or work experience programs during the school year.
5. Increase the investment of business resources, both financial and human, in assisting the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools in the career preparation of students.
6. Increase the number of students participating in early college experiences while in high school that provide both secondary and college credit concurrently.
7. Increase the percentage of Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates who pursue postsecondary education.
8. Increase the percentage of Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates prepared to enter postsecondary education.
9. Increase the financial support available to Savannah-Chatham County Public School graduates who desire to pursue postsecondary education locally.
10. Increase the percentage of parents involved in parent-teacher conferences and other student achievement related meetings.
11. Increase the percentage of first graders in Savannah-Chatham County Schools who are reading on grade level by the end of the academic year.
12. Increase the percentage of children within Chatham County involved in early learning initiatives (Pre–K and Early Learning Programs).
13. Increase the number of non-traditional high school models available to students. Increase the enrollment of students in non-traditional high school models.
14. Open a Career and Technical High School in cooperation with Savannah Technical College and with the active support of local employers in the business communities.
15. Increase the percentage of high school students that graduate within four years of beginning high school. Decrease the annual dropout rate in grades 9 through 12.
16. Support the effective utilization of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) and provide for a mechanism to ensure accountability and public awareness of the use of these funds to enhance educational achievement.
17. Increase the opportunities for interaction between classroom teachers, students and local employers.
18. Expand opportunities for recognition and support of outstanding teachers and educational initiatives.
19. Increase the number of businesses in our community involved in school/business partnerships.
20. Establish an annual accountability report card and communications strategy between the Board of Education and the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the community in general.
Business/Education Partnerships
K-12 Business/Education Partnerships
In communities where K-12 education is most successful, there are strong partnerships between businesses and educators. These partnerships run along a continuum. One partnership might be a single instance of a volunteer in a school for a particular event. Another partnership might include hundreds of volunteers running through a school over the course of the year for a variety of speaking engagements, tutoring and mentoring, and perhaps even monetary donations.
As you can see, business/education partnerships come in many different shapes and sizes. This section of our website seeks to match businesses that want to partner, with educators who need a partnership.
As an employer/business representative, we hope that you will carefully consider what skills, abilities and education you/staff can contribute to the lives our upcoming workforce. If you are an employer/business representative, and you want to partner with a school, click here. (link “here” to BUSINESS partnership page)
As an educator, we hope that you will carefully consider what skills and abilities you need for your school/classroom/student. If you are an educator, and you need a business partner, click here. (link “here” to EDUCATION partnership page)
Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is developing diverse career pathways to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce. This will make it possible for our students to achieve a seamless education combining the academic classroom and career pathways. A state-of-the-art facility and thriving partnerships with area businesses will result in every high school student enjoying expanded career choices.
The Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute will give students the opportunity to excel academically while gaining invaluable hands-on experience in real work, real world environments. Students will benefit from intensive guidance and instruction needed to succeed in both secondary education and highly competitive job markets. This advanced technical training will provide students with the skills needed to compete in a global economy and lead SCCPSS in the journey to World-Class!
The new Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute is scheduled to open September 2007. Any high school student in grades 10 through 12 may enroll. Students in the 9th grade who enroll in the pathways offered will begin their career and technical training at their home high school. Students in grades 10 through 12 will follow their career pathways at the Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute or Annex, or in signature pathways at their home school. Students will also have the option of taking evening classes or participating in credit recovery classes at the new Woodville-Tompkins facility. The new Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute is housed in the former Tompkins Middle School.
Programs to be Offered:
- Marketing, Sales and Service
- Transportation
- Engineering and Technology
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Science
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Healthcare
- Science
- Construction
- Government and Public Safety
- Architecture Business and Computer Science
Phase 1
- Construction
- Hospitality
- Healthcare Science
- Early Childhood Education
- Manufacturing Science
- Automotive Services
- Automotive Collision Repair
Phase 2
- Culinary Arts
- Cosmetology
- Logistics and Transportation
- Engineering/Computer-aided Design (CAD)
Phase 3
- Biotechnology
- Geospatial Technology/Homeland Security
Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute
151 Coach Joe Turner Drive
Savannah, GA 31408
912.201.2163 p
912.201.5393 f
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System
208 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.201.5600
www.sccpss.com
For more information, contact 912.201.5600.
Click a link for information on these programs (link to the appropriate page/section below):
Webmaster Note: I'm not sure how this whole section is supposed to be displayed. I think it all needs to go on a separate page.
Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute Annex
- Early College Program
- Criminal Science Institute (CSI)
- Historic Preservation Program (HPP)
- Gateway to College
Early College: The Fastrack to College Success
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System’s (SCCPSS) Early College Program is uniquely designed to provide high school students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, and pursue an associate’s degree or two years of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. The Early College Program serves students who are traditionally underserved, with rigorous academic courses and increased units within pathways. Not only will students enjoy the benefits of coursework taught by specialized secondary teachers, they will gain unique expertise from professors at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah State University, and Savannah Technical College.
Goals of the Early College Program
- Goal 1: To increase the college readiness and college success of high school graduates traditionally underserved in Chatham County.
- Goal 2: To develop and test model programs for young people that get better results, are more coherent and less duplicative, and make possible a shorter time to complete an associate’s degree or earn two years of college credit.
- Goal 3: To study the effectiveness of the Early College model for reducing the high school dropout rate and increasing the college admission and college success rate of traditionally underserved students.
Two Tracks in One Early College Program
Criminal Science Institute
The Criminal Science Institute program will introduce students to the training and skills required for a career in law enforcement. Students will learn basic investigation techniques, self-defense tactics and criminal law.
This program will increase the number of high school students graduating with high-level marketable skills combined with strong academics. The program will ensure expanded opportunities for graduates and an increased college enrollment in either a technical or four-year institution.
Entering students will complete core academic courses supplemented with advanced technology, field expeditions and speakers representing professional and industrial businesses in the community. Students will also participate in onsite mentoring with local criminal justice agencies.
Criminal Science Institute Program Highlights:
- Forensics study
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminal law
- High school graduates will develop high-level marketable career skills
- Smaller learning environment
- Rigorous academics incorporated in technical and career education programs
Criminal Science Potential Career Opportunities:
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Lawyer
- Homeland Security
- Drug Enforcement Agent
- Sheriff’s Department
- Police Officer
Historic Preservation Program
The Historic Preservation Program offers students entering high school a foundation in the essential skills used in historic preservation and building restoration. The program integrates historic preservation principles into the students’ core academics through creative instruction techniques. The curriculum combines classroom learning with hands-on practice in drafting, preservation planning, historical research documentation and construction techniques and technology.
Students will explore Savannah’s historic architecture and planned neighborhoods while studying related fields, including architecture, museum and archival studies, historic site administration and specialized restoration. Internships on local restoration sites will allow students to apply their classroom learning under the supervision of professional preservationists.
Historic Preservation Program Highlights:
- Architecture and museum studies
- Historic site administration
- Specialized restoration
- Internships/apprenticeships
- Post-secondary education paths
Historic Preservation Program Potential Career Opportunities:
- Mason
- Carpenter
- Urban Planner
- Architect
- Real Estate Developer
- Rehabilitation Inspector
- Preservation Attorney
- Museum Curator/Director
Opening Day
The new Early College Program is scheduled to open September 2007 to students who meet the requirements of this innovative high school. Applications for Early College can be obtained through a school counselor.
Students who enroll in Early College will receive dual enrollment accreditation which incorporates high school and college preparatory courses. Dual enrollment in college level courses will be individualized to meet the academic needs and career goals of each learner.
To ensure the unqualified success of Early College, SCCPSS is partnering with local post-secondary institutions, as well as local and state business organizations. These post-secondary institutions will help support the program through mentoring, tutoring and financial assistance.
Woodville-Tompkins Career and Technical Institute Annex
101 Wheathill Road
Savannah, GA 31408
912.963.7030
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System
208 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.201.5600
www.sccpss.com
The Early College Program is made possible by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Woodruff Foundation and Jobs for the Future. For more information, contact 912.201.5600.
Gateway to College Program
Savannah’s Program Coming Soon!
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System (SCCPSS) has been invited to participate in the Gateway to College Program. Our local program is being mapped out right now. Visit this page again for updates. Here’s what we know right now.
The Gateway to College program is a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Program that started at Portland Community College about five years ago. Gateway to College works with young men and women who have dropped out of high school, range in age from 16-20 and have a desire to earn their high school diploma. Gateway to College is typically housed on a college campus.
The first semester of coursework is offered to cohorts of no more than 25 students each. Several cohorts can start each semester. The students work closely with a Resource Specialist and receive learning support, and remedial and college preparatory coursework. After initial levels of academic deficiencies have been satisfied, students are given placement tests to determine appropriate enrollment levels. Students then enroll in mainstream Savannah Technical College classes, earning credit toward high school graduation requirements, college credits and career/technical certificates. Students may continue their postsecondary education at four-year colleges and Universities, or move directly into skilled employment in the area of their Technical College certification, or both.
The success rate for the Gateway to College programs has been significantly positive. Summary data for the first five years at the Portland program include: the average age at entry was 17.8 years old, students started with only 7.3 high school credits and an average GAP of 1.7. More than 70 percent of the graduates continued in postsecondary education, students’ attendance rate was 92 percent, and graduates earned an average of 66 college credits along with their high school diploma. The student testimonials provide the best endorsements.
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System
208 Bull Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.201.5600
www.sccpss.com
The Gateway to College Program is made possible by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For information on the national program, visit www.gatewaytocollege.org. For more information on the local program, contact 912.201.5600.
Support Principals/Teachers
The Chamber supports principals and teachers in a variety of ways:
- Encourage the expansion and creation of business/education partnerships
- Host a Business/Education Partnership Luncheon annually
- Host a Principals Business After Hours networking event twice per year
- Recruit member donations/support for the Teacher of the Year Banquet
- Recruit member donations/support for the New Teacher Induction Ceremony
- Work with them to execute the objectives of the Savannah Compact (link to Savannah Compact page)
Education Council
Chamber members who are interested in volunteering for the Education Council are encouraged to join. For more information, click here.
Groundhog Job Shadow Day
Sponsored By Junior Achievement of Georgia
Employer Registration
CALLING ALL BUSINESSES!
Would you be willing to host a Job Shadowing Student for Groundhog Day? On Friday, February 1, 2008, students from Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties will be spending Groundhog Day with a businessperson. Job Shadowing gives young people an opportunity to spend time in the workplace and receive a first-hand glimpse of what a "real" job is like. Businesses have an opportunity to take an active part in their community’s future by helping students make informed career decisions. You can assist high school students in preparing for the future by completing the information below. It is more important than ever to take advantage of the opportunity to mentor our youth.
Student Comments from previous Groundhog Job Shadow Days:
"My day shadowing was filled with exciting new experiences. It was very informative and has helped me decide on a major in college."
"Job shadowing was an excellent learning experience for me. Now I have the basics and know I'm headed in the right direction."
Employer Comments from previous Groundhog Job Shadowing experiences:
"Please put me on your list for next year's job shadowing program. I really enjoyed participating."
"We really enjoyed having the students with us!"
Parent University
Michael O'Neal is the executive director of Parent University, a community collaborative that supports families. It is a community-based, volunteer, non-profit organization established to form a bridge between the community and the schools. Parent University offers classes to parents, which consist of three sessions at selected school sites over the course of each school year.
School Council Business Representatives
In Georgia, each school is mandated to have a School Council, on which business representatives must serve, in addition to the principal, parents, teachers and others. If you are interested in working with a particular school as a business representative on their School Council, email tbonifacio@savannahchamber.com.
School Information
K-12 Web sites:
- Savannah-Chatham Public School System
- Bryan County Schools
- Effingham County Schools
- Plug in a street address to locate the corresponding Savannah-Chatham public school
- Get “Report Cards” on a specific school system and/or individual schools in Georgia
- Private School Information
- Overview of P-16 (broader than K-12) education options in the Savannah area
Georgia College and University Information
www.gacollege411.org
Helping students plan, apply and pay for college. HOPE Scholarship - If you are a Georgia resident enrolling in a degree program at a Georgia public college, university, or technical college, you may be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. Funds cover tuition, HOPE-approved mandatory fees, and a book allowance. If you wish to enroll in a Georgia private college, you may be eligible for a $3,000 per academic year scholarship for full-time study or $1,500 for half-time study (6-11 hours).
