Philadelphia school to serve as national lab for teaching “off track” students how to excel and graduate

(Philadelphia – February 22, 2012)

Mayor Nutter announces partnership between Camelot Schools and Boston-based Jobs for the Future

The phenomenal academic gains by students in Camelot’s accelerated high school program may lead to something much greater, similar accelerated schools nationwide.

Mayor Michael Nutter today announced that Boston-based Jobs for the Future (JFF) has selected Camelot’s Excel Academy South to serve as a school lab in the hope that teachers and administrators can visit and learn the techniques that have led to a 96% graduation rate for students unable to succeed in main streak schools.

“This is happening nowhere else in the nation. More than two thirds of the students who have been involved with this program have advanced two or more grade levels per school year. It’s all about motivation,” Nutter said. Teachers here are working with students.”

“We feel the creation of this lab is our way of giving back. We have developed a model that clearly works, and we want as many ‘off track’ and ‘out-of-school’ students across the nation as possible to be able to take advantage of this system,” said Camelot CEO Todd Bock, at an event also attended by JFF’s CEO, Marlene B. Seltzer.

Jobs for the Future developed the instructional model used by Camelot to help over-aged students accelerate their learning.

“We are thrilled to be a partner with Camelot, the City and the School District. It’s important for these students to have a quality

system to opt back into,” Seltzer said.

She cautioned the staff and students of just one thing, “You’re going to have a lot of visitors in the coming months and years so do your best to get used to that.”

The culture in Camelot schools is driven by certain, expected behavior norms, keeping shirts tucked in, walking in lines when changing classes – and students holding other students accountable when they see negative behavior.

Those cultural norms laid the foundation for establishing academic norms. Camelot’s program evolved to ensure time for common planning and internal coaching. Teachers quickly learned and supported one another through rounds, co-teaching, and modeling.

“I’m going to college on a scholarship now. I never would have imagined that. I wasn’t even supposed to be graduating this year,” said senior Dana Mason, who plans to major in Communications at Chestnut Hill College in the fall.

Jobs for the Future identifies, develops, and promotes education and workforce strategies that expand opportunity for youth and adults who are struggling to advance. In more than 200 communities across 43 states, JFF improves the pathways leading from high school to college to family-sustaining careers.

Camelot is Philadelphia’s leading alternative school provider, operating both accelerated and transitional schools here with programs in New Jersey, Florida and Illinois as well.