Citrus Co. Schools Academies Application Time

Eight graders apply TODAY!

Citrus County Schools is excited to share information about its FIVE special academic programs for high school students; below are short explanations for each. Your 8th grade student may be interested in applying to one (or more) of these programs.

• Any student in the county can apply to any program
• Busing is provided to all students to attend these programs
• Most students apply to one of these programs in 8^th grade for matriculation the 9^th grade year
• If you are already in high school or transferring from other district or state, please contact the program’s coordinator for information on the application process

Want to Learn More? In January, there will be presentations for students and parents.

For students, each of these programs will visit our 4 middle schools to give an in-depth presentation.
• January 17, 2024: CSM (morning presentation) CRM (afternoon presentation)
• January 18, 2024: LMS (morning presentation) IMS (afternoon presentation)

For parents and students, each program will ALSO offer 3 nighttime presentations (one at each high school) for those who would like more information. These presentations will occur 6:00-7:30 PM at the following locations and dates:
• January 16, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 at Citrus High School
• January 17, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 at Lecanto High School
• January 18, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 at Crystal River High School

Want to apply? Need more Information? On the back of this letter is information on who to contact for more information on each program and a QR code to apply. We strongly encourage all students to apply AND to apply to all the programs in which they are interested! While you can only attend one program, it is always good to have options!

Academy of Computer Science at Citrus High School:
A good understanding of computer science concepts is extremely important regardless of the type of career you wish to pursue. The Academy of Computer Science at Citrus High School is a 4-year program that provides students with a strong foundation in the ever-growing fields of computer science, computer programming, and cybersecurity.

Academy of Environmental Science at 12695 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429:
AES is a science focused program providing a hands-on approach to learning about our environment and the impact we have on it. Students will have an honors curriculum with a strong emphasis on science courses. Students will have opportunities to explore the environment through access to our campus habitat and the Salt River.

Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School:
Ready to begin the path to a rewarding career? Academy of Health Careers has you covered! Multiple pathways (CNA, EMT, Biomedical Science, Dental Aide, Vet. Assistant), include rigorous STEM coursework, leadership opportunities, real-world clinical settings, job-ready certifications, Dual Enrollment, hands on learning, and preparation for college-level coursework.

International Baccalaureate Program at Lecanto High School:
The Lecanto IB Diploma Program is for students interested in varsity-level academics and a supportive atmosphere of peers and teachers! Build a strong resume and college application while gaining skills in research, communication, socialization, thinking and self-management. Be curious and engaged—you will find success in IB!

Lecanto School of the Arts at Lecanto High School:
LSA is a visual arts program designed to foster student skills in traditional arts and creative technology for innovative careers, such as illustration, animation, graphic design, fine arts, museum curation, entrepreneurship, game

Click the photo below to enlarge!Click here for a PDF version!

Comments Off on Citrus Co. Schools Academies Application Time
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Navigating the Future of Education: Insights from the Google Leaders Exchange

“The adoption of 50 million users spanned 68 years for airlines, 7 years for the internet, 3 years for Facebook, 2 years for Twitter, and an astonishing 5 weeks for generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, showcasing diverse timelines in technological assimilation.”

In a dynamic era where the pace of technological advancement is unprecedented, the future of education takes center stage as a focal point for leaders in the educational landscape. Recently, while at the Florida School Board Association Annual Conference and Professional Development, I had the privilege of being part of a small group of education policymakers selected to participate in a Google Leaders Exchange facilitated by Future Design School, an organization committed to deep competency development and skill mastery. The transformative experience prompted profound reflections on the evolving needs of education, workforce development, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI).

The training commenced with a thought-provoking reflection on the rapid adoption of various industries and tools throughout history. The growth and adoption timelines of various industries and tools vary significantly, reflecting the rapid pace of technological evolution. Airlines, a traditional mode of transportation, took a considerable 68 years to amass 50 million users. In contrast, the internet revolutionized global communication and commerce in a mere 7 years to reach the same user milestone. Social media platforms demonstrated even swifter growth, with Facebook achieving widespread adoption in just 3 years and Twitter in 2 years. The emergence of generative AI tools, exemplified by ChatGPT and Google Bard, marks a paradigm shift, as they garnered a staggering 50 million users in an astonishingly brief period of 5 weeks, underscoring the accelerated pace at which cutting-edge technologies are embraced in today’s dynamic landscape. (Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-hit-50-million-users/)

A significant revelation during the exchange was the collaboration between Google for Education and research partner Canvas8, which conducted a comprehensive study across 24 countries on the future of education. The result, Google’s ‘Future of Education’ Trend Forecast Report 2022, unveils critical insights that educators, school board members, and policymakers must consider as they navigate the educational landscape.

One striking revelation from the report is the shifting landscape of the workforce. It is expected that our current students, when they enter the workforce, will encounter a workforce where 51% of the U.S. workforce is projected to be freelance or engaged in the “gig” economy. This makes the demand for a diversified skill set more apparent than ever. The report emphasizes the growing need for a workforce proficient in emerging digital technologies and soft skills that complement technical expertise. However, it warns of a significant talent shortage, with roles like AI specialists, data analysts, software developers, and digital transformation experts being particularly challenging to fill.

Furthermore, the report highlights a misalignment between the skills and competencies the future workforce requires and what the current education system is producing. Critical soft skills like creativity, collaboration, communication, and analytical thinking are deemed essential by 77% of business leaders, but 63% believe that the current education system falls short in instilling these portable skills. As technology continues to advance, the report predicts that 70% of the workforce may need retraining for new job roles by 2025, necessitating a substantial increase in re-education programs and skills development opportunities.

As school board members engaged in high-level discussions during the exchange, it became evident that these conversations are vital for shaping the trajectory of education. Deliberations revolved around future planning, workforce development, essential skills, and strategies to monitor skill mastery. The consensus was clear – traditional learning approaches must undergo a significant overhaul to meet the demands of the 21st century.

A broader perspective, as highlighted by the Institute for the Future (IFTF) report, indicates that up to 85% of the jobs anticipated for students in 2030 either do not exist currently or will undergo substantial transformations. This statistic underscores the imperative for education to adapt and equip students with the skills necessary for an ever-evolving job market.

As a school board member, I firmly believe that educators, administrators, parents, and communities share a collective responsibility to ensure that students receive an education that prepares them for the complexities of the future. The insights gained from Future Design Schools and the Google Leaders Exchange underscore the urgency of bridging the gap between traditional education and the demands of a rapidly changing world. Embracing innovation, fostering adaptability, and instilling a passion for continuous learning are key elements that will empower students to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

Comments Off on Navigating the Future of Education: Insights from the Google Leaders Exchange
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving Day, my heart is brimming with gratitude for the blessings that grace my life. I extend warm wishes to all for a day filled with joy and happiness. My deepest thanks go to my wife and children, the pillars of my joy. Family and friends weave the colorful tapestry of my existence, and our tight-knit community, state, and country provide a foundation of unity and pride. Serving as a school board member and education advocate is a privilege, as it allows me to contribute to the future of our youth. As we gather, let’s relish the moments and express gratitude not just today but every day. Wishing everyone a wonderful and joyous holiday season ahead. God bless you all!

Comments Off on Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates