The Kenton County School District

Career Pathways

Rigor-Preparing our students for tomorrow

Relevance-Relating instruction to the real world and students’ future

Relationships-Building strong relationships with our students and community that will last a lifetime.

The Kenton County School District 0

The Kenton County School District 1

The Kenton County School District

Career Pathways

A Career Planning Guide for Students and Families in

The Kenton County School District

P-16 Rigor, Relevance and Relationships

Spring 2010

Table of Contents

Message to Parents ........................................................................................ 2

Understanding Careers .................................................................................. 3

The Kenton County School District Schools of Study ............................... 4-6

Making Career Decisions .............................................................................. 7

Students Can Earn College Credit in High School ....................................... 7

The Freshman Academy ............................................................................... 8

Parent Involvement Tips on Career Development ........................................ 9

Individual Learning Plan ............................................................................. 10

Types of Diplomas Offered in The Kenton County School District ........... 11

Other Career Resources .............................................................................. 11

Rigorous Programs: Commonwealth Diploma Program............................ 12

Kentucky Scholars Diploma Program ......................................................... 13

Governor’s Scholars Program ..................................................................... 14

PSAT Information ....................................................................................... 15

Kenton County High Schools and Secondary Facilities ........................ 16-20

Other Interesting Statistics .......................................................................... 21

College Credit with Local Postsecondary Partners ..................................... 22

School of Study Brochure ...................................................................... 23-24

References ................................................................................................... 25

The Kenton County School District 2

Message to Parents

Your child’s future success is important to all of us, and we

want to work with students and their families to develop a

rewarding career path for every child in the Kenton County

School District. To achieve this goal families and educators

must help young adults identify their interests and talents and

work diligently to afford every student the knowledge and

skills necessary to compete in the global economy of the 21st

century. Once a student recognizes his or her talents, he or she

has the building blocks for a successful future; so it is never too

early to begin looking at career interests and possibilities with

your child. Armed with this knowledge, students can pursue a

variety of occupations which will not only provide them with a

successful career but increase their quality of life.

As we work together to map out an individual learning plan

for your son or daughter, please discuss all options with them

and select the one that best fits your child’s needs and dreams.

Once a student has narrowed his or her interests to identify a

career cluster, it is vital that the student knows the preparation

program necessary to obtain the career goal. Help your child

get a jump start on the future by taking career direction

seriously in high school, and pay close attention to your child’s

class schedule in high school every year to determine required

courses for his/her chosen career option.

Currently, almost half of all students entering college

nationwide drop out after the first semester or first year. This is

often due to an avoidance of challenging courses needed for

college preparation while still in high school. To avoid this

situation, make sure math and other rigorous course work are

included in your child’s class schedule every year while in high

school. Another impediment to post-secondary student success

is a lack of career maturity. To address this problem we offer

many opportunities for students to gain a greater understanding

of the realities of a chosen career through our Schools of Study.

Encourage your child to take advantage of the job shadowing

experiences, career testing, conversations with other adults

about careers and apprenticeship opportunities offered in our

schools.

We trust that the information contained in this handbook

will motivate our students to choose a rigorous course of study

in high school as they prepare for a successful future. Enclosed

you will find a description of Schools of Study opportunities

and career interests for all of our students and an outline of

career pathways in each or our high schools. The teaching and

use of technology is infused within each school of study; but,

due to the constant changes in preparation programs, career

pathways, required coursework and technology may change to

provide the best set of options for our students. Please continue

to provide feedback, ask questions and work with your high

school so that we can continue to improve what we are

providing for students and their families. I wish all students

success in the exciting years of their high school experience!

Tim Hanner

Superintendent, The Kenton County School District

3 The Kenton County School District

Understanding Careers

Recently, your middle school student was engaged in

taking an interest inventory survey from an online product

called Career Cruising. This interest inventory survey

includes a series of questions to which the student responds

indicating personal likes and dislikes to various kinds of

activities. Student interests are then translated into potentially

compatible career areas or clusters on an individual student

results page. These career clusters are reported on the student

page in order from highest interest to least interest. The career

clusters are as follows: Agriculture, Construction,

Manufacturing, Transportation, Science and Mathematics, Arts

and Humanities, Communications, Business and Marketing,

Information Technology, Education, Human Services, Social

Sciences, Public Services, and Health.

A more detailed look at career clusters identified by the

Kentucky Department of Education can be found at

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources

/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+Clusters/. A

career cluster is a grouping of occupations according to

common knowledge and skills for organizing educational

programs and curricula. The exploration of potentially

satisfying occupations within a School of Study provides each

student information regarding multiple career options.

Students need to understand that most people have several

satisfying career choices.

In the fall of 2007, The Kenton County School District

began a career-intensive program in all three high schools.

Each high school created small learning communities that

relate to the career clusters by creating the Schools of Study as

follows: The School of Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math (STEM); The School of Visual/Performing Arts

and Media (VPAM); The School of Business and

Information Technology (BIT); and The School of Law,

Education, Health and Human Services (LEHHS).

On each high school’s website, you will find a general

outline of high school courses and college opportunities to

guide both parents and students as they consider a particular

School of Study. The high school websites can be easily

accessed through our district website at

http://www.kenton.kyschools.us. Please visit this page on

our district website and select a high school to view school

specific information on the Schools of Study. These websites

are designed to guide students and parents as they develop and

modify an education plan to help meet requirements for

graduation and prepare students for postsecondary education

and the work place.

Even though all three high schools offer basically the same

type of curriculum, there are some unique programs and

courses that are school specific. A sequence of courses leading

to employment in an occupational field and/or further

education is referred to as a career pathway. Samples of career

pathways developed at the state level can be accessed at

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/ . Each high school

website provides an outline of suggested courses for students to

consider as related to each School of Study and to the

Kentucky Career Clusters.

Supplemental guidance materials are available for you

describing career pathways for students at J. D. Patton Area

Technology Center, where students develop and acquire high

tech knowledge and skills in various programs. There are

opportunities at J. D. Patton for students to earn certificates

while also earning college credits toward an associate degree at

Gateway Community and Technical College.

The Kenton County School District 4

The Kenton County School District

Schools of Study

Provide meaningful connections to student chosen career interest within the curriculum

Provide unique career related opportunities and experiences through the curriculum

Allow students with similar learning styles and career interests to be in classes together with teachers who share the same interests

5 The Kenton County School District

The School of Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math (STEM)

STEM supports exploration in

realistic jobs such as engineer,

scientific researcher, automobile

mechanic, aircraft controller,

surveyor, farmer or electrician.

Courses taken within this School of

Study will help develop scientific

thinking and mechanical abilities.

Students interested in this School of

Study may like nature, athletics or

tools and machinery, and may be

described as conforming, frank, genuine, honest, humble,

modest, natural, persistent, practical, shy and thrifty. This

School of Study will also support exploration in investigative

jobs such as biologist, chemist, physicist, anthropologist,

geologist or medical technologist. Courses taken within this

School will help develop mathematical and scientific abilities.

Students interested in this School of Study may also be

described as analytical, cautious,

complex, critical, curious,

independent, intellectual, methodical,

modest, precise, rational and

reserved (Holland, 1994).

The School of Visual/Performing Arts and

Media (VPAM)

VPAM supports

exploration in artistic jobs

such as composer, designer,

musician, stage director,

writer, interior decorator or

actor/actress. Courses taken

within this School of Study

will help develop artistic

abilities in writing, music and

art. Students interested in this

School of Study may be

described as complicated,

emotional, expressive,

idealistic, imaginative,

impulsive, independent,

introspective, intuitive,

nonconforming, open and

original (Holland, 1994).

3

The Kenton County School District 6

The School of Law, Education, Health and Human

Services (LEHHS)

LEHHS will support

exploration in social and/or

service people-oriented jobs

such as lawyer, teacher,

doctor, nurse, religious

worker, counselor, clinical

psychologist, psychiatric case

worker or speech therapist.

Courses taken within this

School of Study will help to

develop good social skills and

talents. Students interested in

LEHHS may be described as convincing, cooperative, friendly,

generous, helpful, idealistic, kind, patient, responsible, social,

sympathetic, tactful, understanding and warm (Holland, 1994).

The School of Business and Information

Technology (BIT)

BIT will support exploration in

enterprising jobs such as salesperson,

manager, business executive, television

producer, sports promoter or buyer.

Courses taken within this School of

Study will help develop leadership and

speaking abilities. Students interested

in BIT may be described as acquisitive,

adventurous, agreeable, ambitious,

attention-getting, energetic,

extroverted, impulsive, optimistic,

pleasure-seeking, self-confident and

sociable. This School of Study will also support exploration in

conventional jobs such as bookkeeper, stenographer, financial

analyst, banker, cost estimator or tax expert. Courses taken

with this School will help develop clerical and arithmetic

abilities. Students interested in this School of Study may be

described as conforming, conscientious, careful, efficient,

orderly, persistent, practical and thrifty (Holland, 1994).

The Kenton County School District 7

Making Career Decisions

Most students worry about making sure that their

occupational choice is right for them. They also want to be

sure that they have not overlooked a more desirable

occupation. Although interests surveys may be helpful, only

actual experience in a field and assure a good fit. In working

with students, the goal is to provide ideas and guidance to

reduce unwanted outcomes and risk (Bolles, 2002). It is

important for students to learn as much as they can about

themselves and the occupational world. Students will consider

a program of study and develop an Individual Learning Plan

(ILP) that matches their interests, talents, and possible future

career choices.

High school students

need to make careful and

wise decisions about course

selections to provide them

with the type of knowledge

and skills needed to pursue a

particular occupation or

career choice. The purpose

of this career planning guide

is to assist students and

families in providing

information and resources to

guide their decisions for a

rigorous preparation

program. Future options

depend upon intentional

planning.

Students Can Earn College Credit in High School

Career pathways are useful in providing guidance counseling

and assisting students in setting goals for high school

graduation and further education. Career pathways do not limit

choices since students can change from one career path to

another. In the Kenton County School District, career

pathways provide opportunity for dual enrollment and the

earning of postsecondary credits while still in high school.

Current articulation agreements and dual credit programs exist

between our high schools and Gateway Community and

Technical College, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and

Thomas More College (TMC) so that students can earn college

credit.

Our high schools in The Kenton County School District

partner very closely with our local postsecondary partners to

create additional dual credit opportunities for our students each

year. You are encouraged to visit NKU’s website at

http://admissions.nku.edu/parents/parents.php to learn more

about their School-Based Scholars Program and early

enrollment for high school students. To learn more about the

Gemini Program at TMC, please visit their website at

http://www.thomasmore.edu/gemini/index.cfm?group=Earl

y%20Admissions%2FDual%20Credit . Also, please see

Appendix A at the back of this planning guide. Our students

enrolled at James D. Patton Area Technology Center may also

earn college credit while still in high school. This provides a

great savings on college tuition and also allows students to

complete their college education in a shorter time frame. For

more information on earning college credit while still in high

school, consult with the high school guidance counselor.

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered at all three of

our high schools. Students scoring 3 or higher on an advanced

placement assessment may qualify for college credit at most

colleges and universities.

The Kenton County School District 8

The Freshman Academy

Your son or daughter’s first year in high school as a

freshman will be exciting, yet very challenging. Each of our

high schools has a Freshman Academy whose teachers have

carefully designed very intentional activities that begin in the

spring of the 8th

grade year to transition students to high

school. Students will be scheduled into courses sharing a

common set of teachers to create a team approach in setting

goals to help all students be successful. There will be

continued exploration of careers as students will explore each

School of Study. Students are asked to choose a particular

School of Study in the spring of their freshman year that

supports their Individual Learning Plan and a career pathway

matching their career interests.

During the sophomore year, each student schedule will

emphasize one of the Schools of Study. As students are

exposed to new experiences and new learning, they will have

an opportunity each year, at the time they schedule their classes

for the following year, to select a different School of Study as

their career interests may change. In doing so, they will not be

penalized as all Schools of Study offer rigorous coursework

and help students to meet graduation requirements.

The Kenton County School District 9

Parent Involvement Tips on Career Development

Talk with your son or daughter about their career

interests. Help them explore possible paths to success.

Help your student do a search of occupations reflected on

the results of his or her interest inventory in the electronic

Individual Learning Plan (ILP) accessed at

www.careercruising.com/ILP/ .

Throughout the high school experience, suggest your

student talk with a few people who do the kind of work in

which he or she is interested. Most workers are flattered

when someone asks about their typical work day, how

they acquired their training and background education.

Help your student meet a variety of workers by arranging

job observations or personal interviews.

Encourage your high school student to work a part-time

job outside the home during the summer months.

Recommended hours for part-time work during the

school year range from 12 to 15 hours per week. Hours

beyond this may negatively impact student success in

school (DePietro et al., 2004).

Encourage your student to engage in service learning

activities in the community. These are requested on

applications for college and applications for scholarships

and can be recorded in the student ILP.

Explore a variety of postsecondary education

opportunities with your student on the ILP.

Review your student’s ILP annually to ensure course

selections and postsecondary options match career

interests and career decisions. Convey high expectations

for your student throughout their senior year.

Expect and encourage modifications and changes in the

career exploration and decision-making process.

Students need to understand the importance of course

selections in high school since their choices will impact

their performance on college entrance exams, their

postsecondary education options, and thus, the potential

to attain a satisfying occupation in the world of work.

Suggest that your student seek assistance from a

counselor or teacher advisor.

The Kenton County School District 10

Individual Learning Plan

The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is an academic and

career plan for all students beginning in the 6th

grade. The ILP

helps students identify their educational and career goals, as

well as, identify requirements for high school graduation.

Students complete activities that will provide the knowledge

and skills needed to prepare for a successful career. The ILP

includes personal information about a student’s hobbies,

interests, school and community activities, work experiences

and awards, as well as, the names of people who may provide

good references. Also included are the results of an interest

inventory and/or a career aptitude assessment. Results of

Kentucky’s Commonwealth Accountability Testing System

(CATS), the EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT, SAT or other

assessment results are included in the ILP.

ILP’s are updated prior to scheduling classes each school

year. The student, parent/guardian, and school counselor/

advisor collaborate on the revisions and updating of the ILP.

Identification of postsecondary goals and outcomes (i.e.,

employment, postsecondary education, or military) should be

included in this process.

An electronic version of your student’s ILP is available to

you online. To view your child’s work within the electronic

ILP, a username and password has been assigned to you as a

parent. You may access this account information through the

school counselor. Access to the ILP website can be found

either in the parent section of our district website at

http://www.kenton.kyschools.us/ and by clicking on

“Students” and “ILP” or by visiting

www.careercruising.com/ILP/. Your student has also been

assigned a student username and password.

The Kenton County School District 11

Types of Diplomas Offered in the Kenton County

School District

The Kenton County School District offers the following five

different kinds of diplomas:

1. Commonwealth Diploma This diploma is awarded to students who meet additional

requirements (see page 12) in world language and advanced

placement courses that may also serve as college credit in

many postsecondary institutions.

2. Kentucky Scholars Honors Diploma

This diploma is awarded to students who meet the

requirements of the Kentucky Scholars Diploma and in

grades 9 through 12 score proficient or higher on four of

six content areas of the state assessment and score

proficient or higher on their writing portfolio.

3. Kentucky Scholars Diploma

This diploma is awarded to students meeting additional

social studies, math and science credits (see page 13)

beyond that required for a Standard Kenton County

Diploma.

4. Standard Kenton County Diploma

This diploma requires an additional math and English credit

beyond the state minimum requirements.

5. Career Passport Work Ethic Diploma

An additional diploma is awarded to graduating seniors

who demonstrate a good work ethic and meet additional

criteria decided upon through school council policy.

Other Career Resources

“American Careers: Special Edition for Kentucky Parents” –

this resource was made available by the Kentucky Education

Cabinet Department for Workforce Investment.

http://www.kenton.kyschools.us/school_home.aspx?scho

olid=24

http://www.bls.gov/k12/azlist.htm

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsbycareerfieldlist/Job

s_by_Career_Field_List.htm

http://www.careeroverview.com/

http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/articles/2008/12/

11/the-30-best-careers-for-2009.html

http://www.act.org

http://www.collegeboard.com

http://www.familyeducation.com

www.gateway.kctcs.edu

www.nku.edu

www.thomasmore.edu

http://www.bls.gov/oco

Please contact your guidance counselor for further information

relating to high school course selections or career planning

with your student.

Information on financial aid and scholarships is available

through KHEAA at www.GoHigherKY.org and in the student

ILP. Another resource can be found in the high school

guidance counselors’ office or local library entitled, “Affording

Higher Education: Financial Aid Programs for Kentucky

Students.”

The Kenton County School District 12

Rigorous Programs

Students completing rigorous programs of study such as the

Commonwealth Diploma Program or the Kentucky Scholars

Program are ready for postsecondary education without the

need for remediation in college. Kentucky Scholars students

are also academically prepared for high tech, military, job

training, and apprenticeship programs. Rigorous coursework,

regardless of the grade earned, is more valuable than a less

rigorous course.

Commonwealth Diploma Program

Requirements are as follows for the Commonwealth Diploma:

(1) Successful completion of at least twenty-two (22) approved

units of credit, including all the minimum unit requirements for

high school graduation set forth in 704 KAR 3:305 and any

additional units specified by the applicable local board of

education.

(2) Successful completion of all minimum requirements of the

Pre-College Curriculum established by the Council on Higher

Education.

(3) Successful completion of at least four courses which

contain essential content as described in the Advanced

Placement program course description booklets of the College

Entrance Examination Board. These courses include: a)

English; b) Science or Mathematics; c) World Language; and

d) one additional Advanced Placement course; and

(4) Completion of examinations in at least three of the

Advanced Placement subject areas specified above, without

regard to score.

Students who achieve a composite score of “8” or higher on the

three required AP examinations are eligible for reimbursement

of their examination costs.

13 The Kenton County School District

Kentucky Scholars Program

All students who have successfully followed the Kentucky Scholars coursework will be recognized at graduation in The Kenton

County School District with a Kentucky Scholars Diploma.

Students who meet the requirements of the Kentucky Scholars Diploma plus score proficient or higher on any four of six content

areas on the state assessment and score proficient on the writing portfolio will receive a Kentucky Scholars Honors Diploma.

Kentucky Scholars Course of Study in Kenton County:

4 credits in English

4 credits in math including Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2

4 credits in basic lab science including Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Principles of Physics

or Principles of Engineering at Simon Kenton; 3.5 credits in basic lab science including Biology, Chemistry or

Physics at Scott; and 3.5 credits including Colonel Scientific Investigation, Biology, Earth/Space, and Physical

Science plus Chemistry or Physics at Dixie

3 credits in social studies (chosen from Intro to Social Studies, U.S. and world history,

geography, economics, and government)

2 credits in the same world language

*Please see your high

school’s course guide book

for the names of the specific

courses and additional

school specific criteria

required to earn the

Kentucky Scholars

Diploma.

14 The Kenton County School District

Governor’s Scholars Program

The Governor’s Scholars Program is a challenging five-

week residential program at a Kentucky college for

outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in

high school. Students must be nominated by the district

selection committee to be considered for admission. They

attend free of charge and the only expenses are for personal

needs and incidentals. There are no grades or credits given

through participation in the program. The program fosters an

environment where ideas are shared, discovery of learning

takes place, and community is built within a diverse group of

students. This program helps students achieve their academic

and personal potential, develops creativity and critical

thinking skills, and cultivates leadership capabilities. The

academic program moves at an advanced level concentrating

on concepts, theory, and discovery.

In Kenton County, the selection process includes both a

school-based selection committee and a district selection

committee. Guidelines for selection include the following:

70% or above in English on the PSAT

80% or above in two areas of Math or Writing Skills or

Selection Index on the PSAT

Composite of 26 or above on the ACT (or with exception by

the school)

Students are rated in the following categories: academic

achievement; student profile; writing entry; teacher

recommendations; and special considerations. The PSAT is a prerequisite to applying for candidacy and

should be taken during the freshman and/or sophomore years. The

ACT or SAT taken before the application deadline can be used as

a valid test score. To be considered for this program, students

must complete and submit the Student Nomination Packet to the

high school guidance counselor. Please contact your high school

guidance counselor for more information regarding this

opportunity and related deadlines.

15 The Kenton County School District

About PSAT/NMSQT

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Preliminary SAT®/National

Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program

by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship

Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides

firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives

you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation

(NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures:

critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing

skills. Your son or daughter has developed these skills over

many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require

you to recall specific facts from your classes. The most

common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:

to receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses

on skills necessary for college study. You can then

focus your preparation on those areas that could most

benefit from additional study or practice.

to see how your performance on an admissions test

might compare with that of others applying to college.

to enter the competition for scholarships from the

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (grade 10).

to use scores in qualifying for the Kentucky Governor’s

Scholars Program.

to help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar

with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you

will see on the SAT.

to receive information from colleges when you check

"yes" to Student Search Service on the answer sheet.

16 The Kenton County School District

Dixie Heights High School

Dixie Heights has become a leading high school in Kentucky through

our move to small learning communities and trimester scheduling. We

offer our students three Schools of Study that match their career interests:

Law, Education, Health, and Human Services (LEHHS), Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Visual Performing Arts

and Media (VPAM). We also provide our students a variety of high

interest elective courses like Forensic Science, Ready-Set-Teach,

Animation, Digital Photography, Web Design, Principles of Marketing,

and Accounting just to mention a few. For our juniors and seniors who

wish to jump start their college careers we offer Advanced Placement

classes in English, Chemistry, Calculus, and History; and we encourage

all of our students to move out of their comfort zones and reach for the

top of their potential.

At Dixie Heights, we have the courage to question traditional

wisdom, the passion to break new ground, the imagination to pursue

quality, and the resolve to champion our community. Our faculty strives

to bring education to life and to build a school community providing our

students with a limitless future.

17 The Kenton County School District

Scott High School

Scott High School offers first class

educational programs and experiences for all

students. Within Schools of Study our

STEM students participate in webinars

demonstrating surgeries at local hospitals.

Many BIT students earn MCAS (Microsoft

Certified Application Specialist) certification. LEHHS

students learn about the fields of education and law through

specialized courses such as “Intro to Criminal Law” and “Intro

to Education.” VPAM students display their original art work

throughout the community, perform concerts at community

functions and consistently win top honors in competitions.

Each year through the VPAM School of Study the SHS Drama

Department also presents an annual Martin Luther King tribute

called “Remembering Martin” during the Kenton County “Live

the Dream” Education Celebration.

For students seeking college credit in high

school, Scott High School’s Advanced

Placement program offers excellent instruction

and a legacy of success. In 2005, 111 students

were enrolled in AP classes; by 2009 that

number had increased to 200. In 2005, 33% of

our AP students earned college credit; last

year, 54% of our students earned college credit through their

participation in our AP courses. With the vertical alignment of

our accelerated and honors courses, our students start preparing

to be successful in our AP program from their freshmen year,

and some begin as early as the 8th

grade. The results have been

outstanding--Scott High School produced 11 Governor’s

Scholars last year, and sent 12 Governor’s Scholars nominees

to state this year.

In addition to our academic programs, Scott High School

offers a unique “shared campus” opportunity to our student.

Our location adjacent to Woodland Middle School allows for

easy collaboration between middle school and high school

faculty. This collaboration helps ensure a seamless transition

for students entering the ninth grade, and the close proximity of

our two schools allows us to

efficiently create and maintain

a vertically-aligned curriculum

to meet the educational needs

of our students. SHS even

offers a class to seniors

whereby they serve as peer-

tutors at Woodland and earn

course credit. Here at Scott,

students truly have the

opportunity to learn, to excel,

and to contribute to their

community.

The Kenton County School District 18

Simon Kenton High School

With state of the art facilities, rich academic and extracurricular

programs, and a strong connection to our community, Simon Kenton

High School offers students an excellent opportunity to achieve and to

prepare for post-secondary success. Recently upgraded, our facilities

include a new theater, a science wing with complete physics and

chemistry labs, a greenhouse, and fully modernized athletic facilities.

Working with dedicated students and top-flight facilities, our

outstanding faculty and staff have produced award-winning drama and

musical productions, won several district and regional athletic

championships, developed a nationally ranked academic team; and, most

importantly, secured over three million dollars in college scholarships

for our students just last

year.

For students seeking

college credit during high

school, Simon Kenton

provides a full range of

Advanced Placement and

Honors courses in English,

science, math, history and

foreign language. We also

offer several dual credit courses through Northern Kentucky University

and Thomas More College. Unlike many schools in the area whose

students must travel to NKU or Thomas More to conduct science labs,

Simon Kenton’s state of the art science labs allow our students to stay on

campus to fulfill their Advanced Placement science lab requirements.

In addition to being a great place to learn, Simon Kenton also affords

students many opportunities to connect to the community around our

school. Several students participate in career mentoring and a job

shadowing program through their School of Study, and our school

developed and continues to manage a regional farmers market.

The Kenton County School District 19

Success Academy

The Kenton County Success Academy (KCSA) offers a

military academy education as an option for high school

students in the Kenton County School District. In our third

year of operation, our enrollment is increasing, and our first

class of cadets was graduated in June of 2009. KCSA only

accepts students through an application process. Once

accepted, cadets complete their high school requirements

through a combination of direct instruction and on-line

learning. Our program also includes Honors and Advanced

Placement courses, community service and physical training.

While cadets at KCSA learn about the discipline, tradition and

opportunities in all branches of the United States military,

students are under no obligation to join the military after high

school; and we prepare them for college, the military or the

work force. At the Kenton County Success Academy we value

leadership, integrity, honor and service. With courage and

commitment to our nation and our fellow cadets we proudly

embrace the legacy we are building as the KCSA Wolfpack!

The Kenton County School District 20

J. D. Patton Area Technology Center

Whether students are college bound or work bound, J.D. Patton Area Technology Center offers excellent opportunities for 11

th

and 12th

grade students to learn through hands-on activities, explore a career path and practice real job training. Here at J.D. Patton

our students don’t just learn “how to” from a textbook, they develop a variety of skills and solve complex problems. Supported by a

faculty with decades of experience in the field and provided with access to over 2.5 million dollars of equipment and technology, our

students build knowledge and real world expertise. We also offer small classes that provide each student with greater individual

attention from their instructors and specific career and college planning assistance from our counselor and administration. Because

academic classes are an important component of our students’ education, J.D. Patton employs a full-time Math and English teacher to

assist our students and to link their technical training to relevant math, reading and writing skills. Among area colleges and businesses

we have built excellent relationships that allow many of our students to earn college credit for their coursework or to co-op in the

workplace. J.D. Patton Area Technical Center is a great place for any student who wants to experience rigorous learning and career

preparation in a non-traditional high school setting.

The Kenton County School District 21

Other Interesting Statistics and Data

In 2004, the unemployment rate for recent high school

graduates who had not enrolled in college in the fall of

2004 was 20 percent.

The unemployment rate for young people who

dropped out of high school between October 2003 and

October 2004 was 40 percent.

Students who graduate high school with more

challenging classes are more likely to succeed in

college or post-secondary programs.

Students who attain college credit while in high school

are more likely to complete college and other post-

secondary programs.

The rest of the world (China, India, etc) will produce

more college graduates in 2010 than the United States

will produce high school graduates.

The Kenton County School District 22

College Credit with Local Postsecondary Partners

Gateway NKU Thomas More

What does dual credit look like?

High School Option:

~An Area Technology Center student College Campus Option: ~Eligible students can take any class on

the Gateway Campus for which they meet the pre-requisites.

High School Option: School-Based Scholars Program (SBS) - NKU faculty teach college courses at the high school campus, bringing the college culture and contact time. College Campus Option: Early Enrollment Program (EEP) - Eligible students can take any class on the Highland Heights campus for which they meet the pre-requisites.

High School Option:

-High School teachers that meet TMC adjunct requirements or, in some cases, TMC faculty teach the college course at the high school -Eligible to juniors or seniors College Campus Option:

-Early Admission Program (EAP). -Eligible to juniors or seniors -College may add special sections -Fill open seats in regularly scheduled courses

What are the criteria?

High School Option:

~An Area Technology Center student College Campus Option:

~ ACT or Compass minimum requirement ~Completed application packet

- Completed sophomore year - ACT score of 20/PLAN score of 18/SAT of 940/PSAT of 94 - High school GPA of 3.25 - Completed application packet

Completed the following HS units: -2 in English, 2 in Science, 2 in Math, 2 in Social Studies -3.5 GPA in above units -Students must complete an application and submit transcripts -Provisional admittance through Academic Dean

What classes are offered at the high schools?

Same Courses that are offered at the Area Technology Center

Examples but not limited to: Speech,

History, Political Science, Fine Arts, World Religions, and Criminal Justice.

Examples but not limited to: Biology, Chemistry,

Computer Science, English, History, Business and Education.

What are the costs?

High School Option:

~Free, including textbook College Campus Option: ~$115 per credit hour

~Plus Textbook

High School Option: (SBS) - $150 tuition per course (up to four) College Campus Option: (EEP) - No tuition for first class; full tuition for subsequent classes. Other Costs- One time application fee of $40 -Textbook (average about $75)

High School Option

-$125 per course plus any applicable lab or materials fees (7 credit limit per semester) College Campus Option:

-same as high school option Other Costs ~Textbook

Will these college credits transfer to other colleges?

High School Option: Courses taught at

the Area Technology Centers are technical courses and are not designed to transfer. However, Gateway has some articulation agreements with NKU and Thomas More. Students should consult with the transfer liaison at the college to which they want to transfer.

NKU is a regionally accredited institution whose credits are accepted by most major colleges and universities. Students should consult with the college of their choice as to how their NKU credits would apply.

Thomas More College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which greatly eases transferability of credit; however students should consult with their college of choice as to whether TMC credits will transfer and how they would apply. Thomas More College will guarantee that all the high school credit earned while enrolled in the Thomas More Dual credit program will be accepted and applied toward graduation at Thomas More.

Who do I contact for more information?

John Brown, 859.442.4104

School-Based Scholars Program: - Jeff Fox (859) 392 – 2408 or foxj@nku.edu - NKU’s Admissions counselor: Heather Burns (859) 572 - 5715

Gemini Program:

-High School Option, Maria Mitchell, 859.344.3657 -Campus Option, Billy Sarge, 859.344.3402

The Kenton County School District 23

The Kenton County School District 24

The Kenton County School District 25

References

Bolles, Richard, N. (2002). What Color is Your Parachute: A practical manual for job-hunters & career changers. Ten Speed Press:

Berkeley, CA.

College Board. About PSAT/NMSQT. Retrieved January 29, 2007, from

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

DePietro, M., Laramee, F., Powell, L., Rafter, D., Rhine, J., Rowh, M., Williamson, P., Yager, J. (2004). American Careers: Parent

edition. Career Communications, Inc.: Overland Park, KS.

Holland, John, L. (1994). Self-Directed Search: You and your career, Form R, Fourth edition. Psychological Assessment Resources,

Inc.: Odessa, FL.

Kentucky Department of Education. (April, 2002). Guide To Selecting Career Clusters and Career Majors in Kentucky. Retrieved

February 5, 2009, from

http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+Clusters/

2010