iAcademy / Overview

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iAcademy

The Innovation Academy

At Willis, we recognize that our educational approach must be dynamic in nature, changing to meet the diverse needs of 21st Century learners. Information, accessibility and technology are "shrinking" the world we live in, requiring students to develop new proficiencies in order to be successful in academics, and beyond. Communication, collaboration, leadership, problem-solving and creativity are increasingly critical skills for students to develop during their educational experience.

The Innovation Academy at Willis is a blended learning program that combines instruction by traditional means, with innovative content delivered via available technologies (hardware, software, web tools, etc.).

The mission of the Willis Innovation Academy (iAcademy) is to provide students with a technology intensive, individualized education that will prepare them to be problem solvers in the world community. Students participating in the iAcademy engage in the purposeful utilization of technology to address learning objectives through creative endeavors, collaboration and problem solving. The following presentation provides more information about the iAcademy philosophy and gives a glimpse of how technology is used to enhanced the student learning experience.

The Innovation Academy has been fortunate to receive a considerable amount of positive press from local newspapers and radio stations. The following links provide further insight into what the Willis blended learning program is all about.

Chandler district looks to start blended learning at Willis Junior High

Blended learning at Chandler school under study across Valley, U.S.

Blended learning a big hit at Chandler school

In its inaugural year, the iAcademy is serving approximately one-hundred seventh and eighth grade honors students. We are currently making plans, for next year, to substantially expand the program to meet the needs of honors, regular education and special education students. We strongly believe that the skills emphasized by this blended learning program will benefit ALL Willis students and we are anxious to implement this instructional approach school-wide.

If your student is interested in participating in the iAcademy, either next year, or in the future, please take a few moments to complete the linked interest survey:

Innovation Academy Interest Survey

If you have questions about the iAcademy, or would like more information, please feel free to contact one of our current iAcademy teachers, or administrators.

Mathematics - Michael Schultz

Science - Bryce Bartley

Language Arts - Susan Yonker

Social Studies - Darren O'Hara

Administrator - Jeff Delp