Features Editor

The Global Studies Academy is a new concept in education in Pike County and it is bringing the world to the doorsteps of high school juniors and seniors who are highly motivated and committed to hitting the books.

Jimmy Renfroe, co-op coordinator for the Troy Pike Center for Technology, said admission into the Global Studies Academy is limited to students who have a minimum ACT score of 20 in the 10th grade and written recommendations from school

administrators and faculty.

The Academy graduates 21st century citizens who are value oriented, competent in communication and problem solving, skillful in critical and analytical thinking and aware of their independence in a global and multi-cultural society, Renfroe said.

"Students earn both high school and college credit through dual enrollment agreements established between the Troy City Board of Education, the Pike County Board of Education and Troy State University," Renfroe said.

The Center for Global Studies and Communications is located on the TSU campus. Instruction for the morning sessions is scheduled on the TSU campus. Upon completion of the morning sessions, students return to their home schools for other instruction and activities.

"Most of the 11 students who are enrolled in the Global Studies Academy are involved in activities at their home schools," Renfroe said. "Enrollment in the academy does not mean that a student can’t participate in athletics, band or school sponsored clubs.

Renfroe said the Global Studies Academy curriculum involves a multi-disciplinary instructional approach.

"Educational experience develops in a way that allows students to see the relationship between context and content and application," he said.

The academy serves as a model for creating a true seamless education path from high school to post secondary education.

Benefits of the academy include, distance learning opportunities, increased opportunities for students to use and access technology, a curriculum designed to meet the needs of higher achieving students, improved student preparation for post-secondary education and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.

Field trips are a part of the curriculum for the students in the Global Studies Academy.

"We take the students to different areas of learning so they can see, first hand, how things are done in the workplace," Renfroe said. "The field trips are excellent learning experiences for our students and provide them with opportunities to see the diversity of Pike County and meet and talk with those who are a part of our progressive community"

Renfroe expressed appreciation to Dick Freeman, general manager of Troy Cablevision, and June Freeman, director of marketing, for letting the Global Studies students visit their business and see what all is involved in bringing cable television into their homes.