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Record Number: 19210
Displayed from: Sep 14, 2021 , until: Nov 14, 2021
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The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board of School Trustees on Monday, Sept. 13, approved a five-year contract to bring a transformative education model to the District’s five high schools. FWCS is partnering with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana (JANI) to bring 3DE to North Side and Snider high schools beginning in the fall of 2022 and expanding to all five high schools by 2025.

“I am excited to bring this innovative program to our schools,” Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel said. “3DE focuses on developing the skills students will need to be successful after they graduate from high school. This model encourages partnerships with local businesses and uses real business case methodology as the foundation of interdisciplinary learning.”

3DE began in 2015 as a joint venture between Fulton County (Ga.) Schools, JA of Georgia and the Atlanta community. Within four years, the model expanded to six schools in four districts, all showing measurable results, including reduced chronic absenteeism, increased graduation rates, more internships and greater college persistence rates.

“Districts like ours are seeing significant improvement in key measures of student success,” Dr. Daniel said. “Our students need and deserve the opportunity to participate in a highly engaging learning environment that will set them up for success in life.”

The model will be launched in ninth grades at North Side and Snider high schools. The 2020-21 school year will be used for planning and recruiting teachers who want to be a part of this transformational experience. Each year, a new grade level will be added at North Side and Snider, and in 2024 and 2025, the model will be expanded to other FWCS high schools.

“The 3DE instructional model will have a tremendous impact on the youth as it accelerates and deepens student engagement and academic outcomes. This program will better prepare the workforce of tomorrow and ultimately, have a great impact on the region,” said Andy Brooks, President of Brooks Construction Company, Inc. and Chairman of the Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana Board of Directors. “As Chairman of the Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana Board Directors and as a local business person, I am excited about what 3DE will bring to FWCS.”

The cost over the five years will be $3,861,953 and will be paid through a combination of ESSER II funds and the Education Fund.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.