Illinois District Set To Adopt "Freshman Academies."

The Springfield (IL) State Journal Register (4/12, Saunders) reports that the high schools in Springfield, Illinois, are set to create "freshman academies," "with expectations that the change will improve student achievement. Beginning in the fall, freshmen will spend their first year of high school in a separate academy led by teachers and an assistant principal who will stay with the students through all four high school years. As the students move up with their classes each year, the idea is that they also will form tight bonds with teachers and administrators, who will have a better idea of what each student needs." The piece notes that the district is seeking school improvement grants to use to create the academies.