CROOMS ACADEMY OF
INSTRUCTIONAL
TECHNOLOGY
(AOIT )
A FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL
SUCCESS STORY AND MODEL
FOR THE NATION
CROOMS AOIT provides cutting edge innovation in
teaching and learning in a technology-enriched
academic environment, engaging students in a
curriculum that prepares them for both
admittance to college and the technology
labor market.
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
CROOMS AOIT BACKGROUND
Crooms AOIT, located in Sanford, Florida, evolved
from a segregated community school in a low income area
to an A+ school, rated “Best 100 Schools in the Nation”
by U. S. News and World Report and Newsweek’s
“ List of Top 1,000 Schools in the United States”.
Crooms, in 2011, named Number 1 in the Nation
for Classroom Connectivity.
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
HISTORY OF CROOMS AOIT
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Founded in 1926 by Professor Crooms as the only black
high school in Sanford, Florida
Seminole County desegregated in 1970 and the community
high school was lost
Crooms became a school for academically-struggling
students, those with behavioral problems and pregnant
teenagers
School burned to the ground in 1973
In year 2000, Justice Department would lift desegregation
order in 2003 if Crooms were to be rebuilt as an
information technology academy
Crooms was named a “magnet “ school for information
technology
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
CROOMS AOIT REPORT CARD
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A+ School for fourth year in a row
Highest FCAT science scores in the district
Greater than 95% graduation rate for three years100% in 2010
30% of students earn college credit through dual
enrollment
57% students pass Advanced Placement tests
Engineering team wins Lockheed Martin engineering
competition
Received State of Florida STEM Award in 2010
Student body approximately 50% minority
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
What Made Crooms a Success?
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Founders had a vision and “stayed the course” with a defined mission
Designation as “Magnet School” fosters student demand and
technology focus
High quality, motivated teachers and administrators
Positioned in a rich technology environment of modeling, simulation
and information technology with local job opportunities
Post-secondary academic degree programs available in modeling,
simulation and instructional technology
Spawned an active Business Advisory Council that influences
curriculum and provides monetary, internship and other support
Requires parent cooperation and involvement
Incoming students issued laptop computers
Student assignments, grades, progress reports, homework all on-line
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
SUMMARY
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Professor Crooms established a high school in a minority neighborhood
Desegregation essentially eliminated community school-building served other
purposes
Crooms building burned to the ground in 1973
New high school constructed with a bold, innovative high technology mission
Central Florida became the National Center for Simulation with military acquisition
agencies located in Orlando with over $5B business/year
UCF and the Institute for Simulation and Training offer advanced degrees and
conduct research in modeling and simulation
Large industry base supports simulation and provides advice and support to Crooms
Students issued laptop computers as freshmen. Parents receive training and are
totally involved, especially through the internet
Teachers have superior credentials, administrators and students are highly
motivated for success.
Graduation rate for 2010 was 100%
Crooms named in top 100 high schools in the nation by U.S. News and World
Report and Newsweek’s top schools
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates
Connie Collins
Principal
Dr. Connie Collins has been principal of Crooms Academy of Information Technology
since 2000 which marked the development of the planning and implementation of the
technology magnet program. Dr. Collins previously worked as an assistant principal at
Seminole High School and Teague Middle, and taught social studies in Orange County
Public Schools for 10 years. She has worked as an educator since 1984. Dr. Collins
received her Bachelors Degree from University of West Florida, Pensacola and both
Masters and Doctoral Degrees from University of Central Florida, Orlando. She was
selected as the Florida nominee for the NASSP National Principal of the Year.
4/13/2015
Henry C. Okraski and Associates