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Our goal at Gene Harris is to be as inclusive as possible for our students. Our focus in on students with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorders. In providing these students with the proper work environment, we have been able to utilize their abilities is a way that will make them more college and career ready.

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In order to break down the barriers between student success and societal bias, Gene Harris Academy does not have public safety officers, nor are there metal detectors. What we do have is cameras in every legal position possible. All teachers wear tiny body cameras transmitting to the office in real time, not only to document disciplinary issues, but to promote an atmosphere of collective honesty.

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Our student body is quite diverse, with students of all ethnic backgrounds, and many international students as well. Our teaching staff is committed to a culturally-relevant understanding of our curriculum, and seek to provide positive images, leadership, and feedback, while never neglecting the realities of our biased society

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Diversity in our student body is mirrored by diversity in our teachers. Gene Harris uses hiring policies that seek to bring more males and persons of color into our teaching community. The higher pay and competitive environment will act as necessary drivers to change the face of our teaching body.

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Science - Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Technology - Computer design, IT
Engineering - Project Based Learning
Arts - Aesthetic Appreciation, Art, Pottery, Music, Poetry, and Dance

The goal of such a comprehensive program is to create a student body that is college and career ready.

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Gene Harris Academy uses the Columbia University model for thier Urban Education Leadership Program

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- Masters in Education, with a Bachelors/Minor in subject area.
- 15% of teaching staff is bilingual (English/Spanish)
- 10% of teaching staff speaks Somali/Arabic
- All teachers are required to participate in 1 extracurricular activity

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Gene Harris Academy strives for excellence in our student body, but their success depends on the quality of teachers. Our teachers are highly qualified (Masters or above), highly paid (80k starting salary), and are given 3-year contracts. The catch - only 50% of teachers get new contracts after 3 years. This is firm standard, and will increase competition and innovation among our teachers. Many will try, but few will be able to finish their career at Gene Harris Academy.

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Honda has provided some VR simulators to our computer engineering classes.

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In addition to the Kindle Fire donation, we have signed a 10 year contract with Amazon to provide discounted e-texts to our school. These texts will be preloaded onto each student's kindle prior to the first day of school.

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Each student is given a kindle fire yearly. By utilizing low cost technology provided by one of our core sponsors, we are able to continually update technology, as well as disseminate technology into the community we serve. All kindles are turned in on the last day of school, erased, and donated to local community-building organizations.

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In addition to our existing operating budget, we have worked tirelessly to forge relationships with Columbus businesses that enable us to more comprehensively serve our student body.

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Harris Academy is a charter school in the Columbus City Schools district. Our population of students come from the East Side of Columbus, with an average demographic spread of 65% African-American, 20% Caucasian, and 15% Hispanic.

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Teachers at Gene Harris believe in the collective power of their students to solve the world's problems. Students work best in a constructivist environment, where they can work together, with assistance from highly-trained teachers, each sharing their unique perspectives and inherent strengths, while minimizing their weaknesses.

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Gene Harris Academy seeks to provide the highest quality instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, using a combination of cutting edge technology, passionate teachers, and educational innovation.