About the ACT Program

In its 13th year of implementation, Chico High's Academy of Communications and Technology (ACT) combines the efforts of English, social science, science, foreign language, and technology instructors in an innovative, challenging academic program that stresses learning through application.

ACT was recently recognized by the California Department of Education as one of the state's top two interdisciplinary, integrated California Partnership Academy programs.

ACT provides students with strong academic and technical skills preparing them for college and the 21^st century workplace.

The ACT program for freshmen offers English, World History, and Computer Technology Foundations in a three-hour block. Student schedules are modified each week to provide blocks of time for in-depth, extended instruction and activities. ACT freshmen work in a "family" atmosphere, participating in an integrated curriculum designed to bring relevance to their learning. ACT freshmen also learn to teach as they train visiting 5th and 6th graders in the creation of computer presentations and audio/video projects. An integrated honors English option is also offered to our ACT freshmen.

ACT sophomores enroll in a two-hour block including English and Introduction to Media Technology. This block is designed to give our students the opportunity to use and enhance their powerful presentation and media production skills. With innovative projects that stretch their creativity, students learn to effectively express themselves through writing, speaking and through the use of technology. ACT sophomores also investigate various media-related career options such as computer animation, video production and studio recording technology. The block scheduling structure provides flexible scheduling for in-depth studies in all ACT classes. ACT sophomores also enroll in associate academic classes where their multimedia skills are applied in classroom assignments.

The ACT junior program consists of classes in 20th Century Literature, Advanced Media Technology or Teaching with Technology, and US History (On-line) classes in a new innovative block structure that increases elective options for our students. Students continue an academic focus while applying and enhancing print, audio, and video production, and 3D animation skills. ACT juniors are also given the option to enroll in our 11th grade Honors English. ACT juniors participate in simulation and service learning projects that help students see the impact they can have on their community and our future.

ACT seniors enroll in Literature of Film and Studio Production Technology where students study the conventions of various film genres and incorporate them into major video projects. Each year ACT seniors travel to Los Angeles visiting major film and sound studios, exploring future occupational opportunities.

ACT provides a community atmosphere that promotes student learning, leadership development, and personal initiative.

ACT students participate in field trips, guest speaker programs, service learning projects, and our exciting 11th grade community mentor program.

ACT freshmen and sophomores are given the option to enroll in our ACT Honors strand.

ACT students build professional portfolios which assist them in accessing college and employment opportunities.

ACT freshmen pass all computer competencies required for graduation.

ACT students graduate with a special sash honoring their commitment to academic and technical excellence.

ACT Presentation Team students travel across the state and country sharing their work at education conferences.

Building Connections

Throughout our program, ACT students participate in projects and activities designed to "connect" them to the community in productive and meaningful ways. ACT students work with visiting elementary school students, teaching computer presentation and video production skills. ACT 11th graders build personal and professional relationships with mentors recruited from the community in ACT's model Community Mentor program. A new ACT option is in development that will serve students interested in becoming teachers.

ACT 12th graders study film, and apply the conventions of specific genres to their own projects: following a study of combat films, for example, student projects ranged from short films with varying perspectives on war to interviews with veterans to a dramatization of one Hmong family's escape from Laos. Each year ACT students find new ways to share their work with their community.