TransCenter:
Northwest Opportunities Vocational Academy (NOVA)
2320 W. Burleigh Street
Milwaukee, WI 53206
TEL: 414.874.0283
FAX: 414.874.0284
Co-Directors: Patricia Bridges and Scott Campbell
History
NOVA was implemented in the fall of 1993 as an alternative school-to-work transition program for “at-risk” students residing on the Northwest side of Milwaukee. The school, which is a subsidiary of TransCenter for Youth, Inc., is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian agency, and operates in partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools. NOVA provides academic instruction for 100 students in grades 7–12. NOVA’s curriculum includes cooperative work experience to students advancing to the Senior Institute (11 and 12), and will be delivered with the assistance of the business community on the Northwest side. Students are offered a full day program which leads to a high school diploma. NOVA is registered as a private school in the State of Wisconsin, but operates as a partnership school within the Milwaukee Public System of Schools.
Mission
The mission of NOVA is to allow at-risk students an opportunity to earn high school diplomas. The unique school-to-work transitional model teaches students relevant and meaningful skills that encourage them to critically listen, think, and analyze while exploring lifelong career options. A primary purpose of NOVA is to develop students’ social skills necessary to enter the world of work, and graduate students who are academically prepared to continue their education or training at college or technical school.
Curriculum Modifications
NOVA is guided by four principles from the Coalition of Essential Schools, a national organization of high schools directed by Brown University Education Professor Theodore Sizer.
The following will help direct and guide NOVA:
- Less is More. It is more important to know some things well than to know many things superficially.
- Personalization. Although the course of study is unified and universal, teaching and learning is personalized to fit the learning styles of each individual student.
- Goal Setting. High standards are set for all students. Students must clearly exhibit mastery of their school work, as well as their social growth.
- Student as Worker. Teachers will “coach” and encourage students to find answers and solutions. Students will discover, solve and learn by doing rather than simply repeating what textbooks (or teachers) say.
Supportive Services
Each NOVA staff member serves as an advisor to a small group of students. The advisor assists the student with academic planning, goal setting, portfolio preparation, and any other issues that may confront the student. The advisor also serves as the liaison between school and family. Additionally, NOVA collaborates with Leaders of Tomorrow, a mentoring program for students interested in business careers. The Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County also offers opportunities for summer employment to NOVA students through the Northwest Opportunities Vocational Academy.
Student Eligibility
Access to the Program The application process follows MPS procedures established by the Alternative Program Information Center describing how students, parents, and school can access the program. Students may be referred by MPS principal, counselors, or other school personnel or guardians of MPS students. The school also receives referrals from the Children’s Court Center, probation officers, and other community based organizations and social service agents. Students and parents can also seek to enroll on their own by visiting the schools and completing an application.
Prerequisites for Admission
NOVA admits students in grades 7–10 who are defined as a “child at risk” under Wisconsin statute 118.153.
Procedures Used to Determine Eligibility
Prior to enrollment, prospective candidates are administered a basic skills test and interviewed by the school staff. A student’s admission into the program is based on the student’s commitment to obtain a high school diploma, a parent’s willingness to be involved, and a genuine interest from both parties to cooperatively work with the NOVA staff.
Use of Any Assessment/Evaluation Instruments
All students are administered the IOWA Tests of Basic Skills as part of the application process.
Reasons for Possible Refusal
Reasons for possible refusal of admission include:
1. An applicant’s refusal to sign a contract.
2. An existing conflict with another student enrolled in the program.
3. The applicant is involved in a disciplinary proceeding.
4. Suburban 220 students are not eligible to attend a partnership school.
In applying the above standards, many factors are considered. The student’s desire, interest, and commitment to his/her education are the most significant factors in the admission of the student.
Download: On the Right Track: Triple-jump star inspired by challenged ‘brothers’: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Monday, May 23, 2005 PDF (4075 Kb)
