American Academy

Faculty Handbook

Educating American Leaders! 

Faculty Handbook

            It is expected that all teachers are familiar with and understand the content of the American Academy Faculty Handbook and the American Academy Parent/Student Handbook prior to signing and accepting an annual contract for employment.  The formal signing of the contract will witness this fact. 

            Each handbook is subject to alteration without previous notice by the Headmaster or the CEO.  In each instance, such changes will be formally communicated to the faculty in a timely manner. 
 

    American Academy educates K-12th grade students and promotes the foundational values of our Western Heritage. 

We teach children to be American leaders:  men and women prepared to establish healthy families and businesses; men and women of polished character ready to serve God, country and community; men and women who preserve and promote traditional American virtues at civilization's frontier.

Explication:
           American Academy develops within its students the intellectual and personal habits and skills upon which responsible, independent, and productive lives are built, in the firm belief that such lives are the basis of a free and just society.  The Academy strives to offer enrichment and to develop character through both curricular and co-curricular offerings, to nurture the child’s humanity-- spirit, mind and body-- with a constant view to the potential adult.  The time-honored liberal arts curriculum and pedagogy direct student achievement toward mastery of the basics, exploration of the arts and sciences, and understanding of the foundational tenets of our Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman heritage.  The curriculum by purpose and design surveys the best spiritual, intellectual, and cultural traditions of the West as they have been developed and refined over countless generations.  The staff also promotes these values in the community.

           We believe that America's global ascendancy stems not just from abundant resources, advantageous geography and good fortune but from superior values inherited from men and women of valor who pledged allegiance to liberty within the richness of our Western civilization and the probity of our forefathers.  Children who will rise up and lead our great country need a solid foundation in those values: a sound education supporting faith in God, respect for the individual, and courage to fight to preserve and promote the same.  It is up to adults to teach children these rudiments and help them learn to love rigor, integrity and truth.

Explication:
           The Academy represents a partnership among the students, parents, faculty, administration and staff.  These partners are united in their commitment to the common objectives outlined in the Mission Statement.
           Students and parents respect Academy teachers, as role models and instructors, for their commitment to the truth and their genuine concern for the children.  Intelligence, creativity, responsibility, and loyalty are characteristics of the faculty. 
            Parents expect and appreciate direct and regular communication from faculty regarding their children.  Reciprocally, parents are responsive to suggestions from teachers and administrators for helping students.
             The Headmaster oversees the implementation of the Mission Statement in the school and maintains the Academy culture through regular staff education meetings.  In his capacity as policy-maker and community leader he advances the Academy’s role as an institution dedicated to providing the best education for children.
             The Academy recognizes each child as an individual who, by virtue of his humanity, is in community with all the other children in the Academy, regardless of age.  By providing moral and ethical standards, the Academy prepares its students to accept the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society that honors and respects their Maker.  Every child is capable of achieving his potential to the fullest extent when afforded respect, fairness, kindness, discipline, and appropriate instruction.
             American Academy strives to inculcate the principle: "Do it right the first time."  We must learn from mistakes to avoid them in the future.  Prevention is the educational and school culture.  Excellence and defect-free work are always the goal and the expectation.

              We see a new educational paradigm that preserves the best of traditional American values, while carefully utilizing current research and technology, to provide not only a firm fundamental knowledge foundation but practical business skills, personal polish, strong reasoned faith and character.

             All parents of the Academy are members of the Parents’ Association, which exists to promote friendly relationships among parents, to acquaint them with the spirit of American Academy, to obtain their cooperation with its objectives for the development of their children, and to initiate the parents’ involvement in, and support for projects and functions which aid the Academy academically, socially and financially.

             American Academy’s Judeo-Christian tradition broadly guides the course of study at the Academy.  The Academy offers instruction based upon traditional, nondenominational biblical beliefs, values and virtues that seeks to develop those qualities of life characteristic of man’s understanding of his relationship to his Creator and his place in the world and which encourages students to follow the faith of their fathers.
            A weekly service conducted by the Headmaster addresses the spiritual needs of the Academy’s students through Scripture, prayer and song.  Parents are encouraged to participate in these services.

            Almighty God, creator of the universe, nature proclaims your perfect power, love, justice, grace, and beauty.  Thank You for all the good gifts you have provided us especially our parents and families, our school, our Headmaster, our teachers and our fellow students.  Thank you also for our great nation, our good earth and our health.  Bless all who lead, all who teach, all who work and all who learn.  Grant that in humility of heart they ever look to You, the fountain of all wisdom, so that knowledge may increase, excellence flourish, right tradition endure, and progress march on; that we may secure and enjoy happiness and success, the fruit of our labors in this home of a free, brave and civil society.  Amen.

             American Academy, does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals in matters of hiring, training, promotion, transfer, wages, benefits, working conditions, suspension, and discharge because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or other legally protected statuses.

 A.   When an opening occurs or a position is added, a search will be conducted by the Headmaster, the CEO, the Director of Human Resources and the Assistant Director of Human Resources for qualified applicants.
B.    Candidates will be reviewed on the basis of (1) mastery of the subject area(s) for the grades to be taught, (2) educational background, (3) experience, (4) recommendations, (5) personal interview to evaluate compatibility with the mission of Completeness Development and the Academy, and (6) teacher certification or intention to become certified.
C.    Only the Headmaster is authorized to make an offer of employment.
D.   All appointments are made on a limited one-year contract basis.  American Academy allows limited absences for illness, bereavement, jury duty, military reserve service, and personal business.  No tenure or leave of absence with a promise of future employment is ever granted.
E.    The annual contract runs from September 1st through August 31st.  Faculty may be required to perform duties before the first day of school and after the last day of school.  paychecks are held in the Business Office on the last business day of each month unless direct deposit is requested.
F.    Employment requires adherence to standards dictated by law, professional ethics, high moral principles, dedication, and loyalty to American Academy and the policies and practices established in the Faculty and Parent/Student Handbooks.

A.  The following are grounds for dismissal:  incompetence, insubordination, unprofessional conduct, misappropriation of funds or property, immorality, an inability or an unwillingness to abide by school policy, and other just cause deemed to be detrimental to the Academy or the students, and breach of contract.

B.   The entire American Academy campus has been designated a year-round smoke-free and alcohol-free environment.  Accordingly, no employees are to smoke, use tobacco products, use intoxicants, or be under the influence of intoxicants on campus. 

C.   A faculty member is to be given at least thirty days notice in the event of termination.  This may or may not involve continued teaching at the Academy, depending on the circumstances and reasons for which the termination is made. 

D.    A faculty member who decides to resign or terminate his contract is expected to give the Academy thirty-day notice of such action.

       The Headmaster reports directly to the CEO of Complete Education, Inc.  His responsibilities include the following:

1.    Approving admission of students to the Academy. 

2.    Providing overall academic and spiritual leadership and guidance to students and faculty. 

3.    Overseeing the curricular, physical, and financial operations of the Academy. 

4.    Evaluating the faculty, including monitoring the implementation of the American Academy Handbooks and Policy and Procedure Manuals and the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide, a transferable and marketable statement of requirements for mission, philosophy, vision, school culture, curriculum, entrepreneurship, facilities, organizational structure, employee roles, policies and procedures, etc., that produce consistent defect free results which can be duplicated to fulfill the vision of American Academy: improving the requirements over time to make them ever clearer, working closely with systems integrity to prevent any deviations from the requirements, doing whatever is necessary to ensure the development of entrepreneur-citizens who achieve their highest potential and get things done right the first time. 

5.    Maintaining the Academy’s accreditation. 

6.    Meeting and consulting with the parent’s association. 

7.    Developing and maintaining long-range plans to ensure the future of American Academy. 

8.    Teaching classes at the Academy as necessary. 

9.    Representing the Academy off campus as necessary. 

10.    Making sure that all of the requirements of the Academy are carried out completely, 100%-- no defect, no omission, right the first time.

Each teacher reports directly to the Headmaster.  The teacher’s responsibilities include the following:

1.  Providing daily instruction to the Academy’s students, according to the American Academy Reference Guide, including all the policies and procedures of the Faculty and Parent/Student Handbooks, including participating with Development, Marketing and Systems Integrity in developing individual student business plans in an attempt to  maximize comparative advantage and, if possible, integrate the student’s business plan within that of the faculty, causing the implementation of the Academy’s mission, philosophy and vision.

2.   Promoting an atmosphere of integrity, rigorous effort, intellectual vigor, camaraderie, teamwork, positive competition, loyalty, honor, trust, humility, respect and concern for others.

3.   Continuing to grow professionally in knowledge and understanding of content taught and teaching methodology.

4.   Notifying students, parents, other teachers and the Headmaster in a timely manner of students’ scholastic progress and deportment to prevent students’ poor performance.

5.    Submitting to the Headmaster for advance approval all general mailings to parents and all notices to be included in the Parent Envelope sent home with parents once a week.

6.   Attending meetings scheduled by the Headmaster, both before and after the school day and before and after the academic year, and supporting Academy sponsored activities and events.

7.   Bringing to the attention of the Headmaster needed curricular materials, supplies, new ideas of any kind, positive teaching techniques to be tried and tested, new research to be evaluated for possible implementation, curricular improvements or modifications, etc..

8.    Working with the Headmaster, Development, Marketing and Systems Integrity to: develop profitable teaching methods, texts, tools, hardware, software, and systems for implementation and distribution, secure and implement profitable research grants and business projects in which the students can learn entrepreneurial concepts and develop their own profitable companies within guidelines set forth by the American Academy Development Team, recruit talented students and provide input necessary to open new schools and markets, recruit new teachers and business people of probity, humility and intellectual and/or entrepreneurial brilliance to join our organization.  Probity preserves a productive people and produces a proper profit.

9.   Bringing to the immediate attention of the Headmaster and health or safety concerns or hazards.

10.  Fulfilling other school responsibilities assigned by the Headmaster.

            Full-time Academy teachers receive medical insurance, group disability insurance, and retirement benefits through Complete Education, Inc. at a negotiable rate.  The Headmaster negotiates all terms with each individual teacher according to the CEO of Complete Education Inc.'s guidelines.
            Once a year, the Director of Human Resources and the Headmaster designate available funds for continuing faculty education and training; which may include internships, fellowships, research, or travel.  These funds may pay for all or part of tuition and for as many credits as the teacher needs to take or whatever ventures he may need to undertake as pre-approved in his business plan--developed with the help of  Development, Marketing and Systems Integrity--with the Headmaster.

            All faculty supervise all students and expectedly take an active role in this for the sake of the Academy culture and the entire student body.  Whether on campus during the school day, during co-curricular activities, off campus on trips or by chance meeting in the community, Academy standards and requirements are to be maintained.  Those associated with the Academy are to maintain professionalism at all times: accuracy, discretion, enthusiasm, productivity, and thrift.  Discretion implies that everyone has liberty to lead their own private life, and this must be respected; but public behavior has consequences, demonstrating the need for “thought before action” which is also implied by discretion.

            Unless permission is given in advance by the Headmaster, teachers are to be on campus no later than 7:45 a.m. and are not to leave campus before 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
            In case of illness or emergency, the Academy’s office should be informed of the absence 24 hours in advance or at least by 7:00 a.m., in extreme emergency, to arrange necessary coverage.

            The Academy recognizes that good conduct of students in school promotes their  education on campus and good behavior off campus.  Accordingly, all teachers disseminate and explain classroom and school rules and the consequences for not following the rules.  Each teacher’s rules address class attendance, preparedness, quality of work, respectful behavior and good citizenship.

              Disciplinary action usually proceeds as follows:

1.  Reprimand

2.  Demerit

3.  Detention (after school)

4.  Suspension

5.  Expulsion.

            To ensure uninterrupted learning, American Academy maintains a policy of demerits and detentions with parental notification.  The Academy’s goal is to work closely with parents to uphold standards of courtesy, respect, and helpful behavior.

            Demerits are issued for the following:

1.    Leaving an assigned seat without permission.

2.    Speaking without permission

3.    Being disrespectful to anyone

4.    Teasing, roughhousing, or fighting

5.    Lying or creating a false impression.

6.    Displaying conduct deemed by a teacher, staff member or the Headmaster to be unbecoming of an American Academy student.

            A student serves a detention when a second demerit is issued.  The Academy notifies parents when a detention is required, and a day during the next one-week period is selected for the student’s serving it.  Detentions are designed on an individual basis and may involve campus- community service, reorientation to the principles of the Academy, or some type of negative behavior prevention exercise tailored to the needs of the transgressor and making reparations if possible to any transgressed parties.  Students are relieved of all demerits at the end of each marking period.

            Any student who is subject to a fourth detention during one marking period serves, instead, a one-day suspension from school.  Suspended students are required to submit all missed academic work at the beginning of the next school day.  The Headmaster may suspend any student when, in his judgment, circumstances necessitate.

            Any student who demonstrates a general unwillingness or inability to abide by classroom or American Academy rules is subject to expulsion.  After meeting with parents, the student, and involved faculty and staff, the Headmaster will decide if expulsion is warranted.

            In addition to the day long orientation for all staff, faculty and students at the beginning of each school year, and the day before each trimester for new students, the school sponsors etiquette seminars and coaching to communicate Academy behavior requirements.  Each month a student is awarded a Perfect Gentleman and Perfect Lady awards for consistently outstanding behavior.  There is also a medal awarded to the lady and gentleman of the year at the annual awards banquet.  Medals and other symbols of honor are required to be worn on full dress days and special occasions.  The Headmaster may establish any similar methodology which he and the staff feel is effective.

            Each student subscribes to a strict honor code, a written copy of which they sign when entering any middle school or higher level class, to respect honor and authority, to do their own work to the best of their ability, to follow the golden rule and to maintain the principles for which the Academy stands.  The Academy seeks to nurture absolute respect for property:  public, private, school, personal or intellectual.  Stealing, vandalism, cheating, or plagiarizing will be treated with the utmost gravity and considered grounds for suspension or expulsion.

            Any introduction of a weapon, an illegal drug, alcohol or tobacco will be treated as grounds for immediate expulsion.  Any improper activity outside school relating these items will be treated equally severely.

            Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice each school year, usually on a Thursday afternoon and evening.  Teachers are expected to be in conference or available for conference at the Academy during the entire period.

            Teachers are to dress professionally and appropriately for their teaching responsibilities throughout the school day.  Casual dress and casual-looking dress are not considered professional dress.  Each Wednesday and for special events designated by the Headmaster, all teachers are to wear the Academy’s uniform.

            Complete Academy property may not be borrowed, lent or sold without prior written approval by the Headmaster.  In general, all Academy property ensures income for some faculty or staff member and his or her family, consequently, we should feel such theft even more personally, although no less intellectually, than some hypothetical individual.

            Complete Education’s insurance covers only property owned by the Academy.  Teachers should verify that their own insurance covers personal items brought on campus.  Students should be discouraged from bringing property of value to campus.

            The Headmaster issues all keys to teachers.  All keys must be returned to the Headmaster at the end of the school year and no keys may be duplicated or given to others without the Headmaster’s advance permission.

            The use of corporal punishment is strictly forbidden.

            Teachers are legally responsible for the supervision and well-being of the students in their charge in particular and in their vicinity in general.  Liability suits against teachers typically result when a teacher (1) is absent from his place of assigned duty, (2) uses equipment that is not in good repair, or (3) fails to give adequate instruction before a student attempts an activity in which skill is involved.

            All report cards are to be submitted to the Headmaster for approval in advance of the distribution date.  Ungrammatical and otherwise unprofessionally prepared documents will be returned to the teacher for revision.

            All comments are to be accurate, informative, neat, legible, and relevant to those areas upon which the teacher is evaluating the student.  Whenever possible, specific suggestions for improving a student’s work should be included.

            Parents receive both interim and end of term reports regarding their children’s academic standing and citizenship.  Teachers give most assignments and all tests numerical designations, which then guide the teachers in assigning interim and end term grades.
            Teachers in the middle and upper schools, grades 5-8 and 9-12 respectively, assign letter grades according to the following scale:

            Points  Grade Grade Points

            100        A+                 5.0

            96-99     A                   4.0

            92-95     A-                  3.75

            88-91     B+                 3.5

            84-87     B                   3.25

            80-83     B-                  3.0

            76-79     C+                 2.75

            70-75     C                   2.5

            65-69     C-                  2.0

            60-64     D                   1.0
            00-59     F                    0.0

            Every class will offer additional work for honors.  Completed additional work will allow an H to be appended to the letter grade.  The single highest grade in each class, in which no ties will be allowed, will be said to have “booked” the class and will receive some appropriate leather bound volume relating to that class or other appropriate and equivalent award-- like a leather sports ball for PE.  The student who books the class is not required to do any honors work and will have an H appended to his letter grade as well.  It is possible to receive an “A+HH”, although “AHH” or “BHH” are also possible as well as “CH”, meaning a “C” with honors work.
            The idea of camaraderie and stewardship will be promoted in each class.  Any struggling student will be helped by the teacher and the top students in the class.  No student will be allowed to fail any class if at all possible.  The goal is for each class member to receive “A+H” grades.  In this case the “A+HH” student will receive a medal of honor of special distinction and particularly high honors.
            Students receiving an “F” must repeat that course which may require them withdrawing from other activities or less central courses.  All grades are posted without names so all students can see exactly where they stand in their class.
            Students receiving an “F” must repeat that course which may require them withdrawing from other activities or less central courses.  All grades are posted without names so all students can see exactly where they stand in their class.  A student is placed on "Academic Warning" for receiving one "F" or two grades of "D+" or lower in a quarter.  A student is placed on "Academic Probation" for:
1.    receiving two "F's" or three or more "D+" or lower grades in a quarter, or
2.    being placed on Academic Warning for two consecutive quarters.
Students on Academic Probation may not participate in co-curricular activities.  Any student who is placed on Academic Probation for an entire year must repeat the year.

            Teachers will assign homework assignments for each school night according to the following guidelines:
             1.  Upper School students receive 30-45 minutes of homework per course, per day.  Students in reading intensive courses can expect to spend more time meeting requirements.  Middle School students in grades 7 and 8 will receive 1-2 total hours each night, those in grades 5 and 6 will receive 45 -90 total minutes, grades 3 and 4: 40-60 minutes, grades 1 and 2: 30-45 minutes and kindergarteners 15-30 minutes.
            2.  Friday to Monday is considered one school night for homework purposes; however, the weekend is considered three school nights for ongoing reading and major assignments.
           3.  Homework may be assigned before long weekends but will not be assigned before vacations.
           If a student spends more time on homework than designated above, the teacher who assigned the homework should be promptly informed so that corrective measures can be taken.  The student will receive immediate help from the teacher, may be enrolled in supplemental classes to improve organization, fundamental skills or reading speed.  He may be assigned a buddy to strengthen him in his weak areas.  The goal is for everyone to stay on pace with the required material.  Perhaps some honors study may need to be discontinued or maybe the student requires more sleep or counseling.  Whatever help that can be brought to bear will be. 
          It is critically important that the parent be aware of his student’s progress so that assistance can be provided as soon as possible.  The pace of the school is quite rigorous and simply is not for everyone; however, every effort will be made to help every willing student stay on pace.  Our goal is a 100% enrollee graduation rate.  If a student is accepted for enrollment it is because the Academy believes he can do the work.

            Homework is required completed on time.  Late homework will be docked a letter grade.  Homework two days late will be completed in 11th period detention and receive a maximum grade of 69.

            Teachers park in the designated faculty section of the parking lot.

            When the fire alarm sounds, all students should go quickly and quietly by class to the approved exit displayed in the classroom, following the teacher in good order.  The last person out of the classroom must turn out the lights and close the door.  Students will follow the teacher to the preplanned assembly area, usually the farthest point of the property nearest their exit point from the building, and stand silently while the teacher takes attendance.  When the return signal sounds, everyone should return to class quietly.  In case of actual fire students will remain in assembly areas until they receive further directions and parent notification has taken place.

            A copy of the fire emergency procedure with evacuation plan is posted in each classroom.

            When an announcement is made all students will quickly crawl under heavy tables or against interior load bearing walls and assume positions on their knees, facing wall or floor, with hands over their heads to protect from falling objects.  Students will be told when to return to their normal activity.  In case of actual earthquake, students will remain in position until shaking ceases and then at the instruction of their teacher will carefully evacuate the building, staying close to the interior walls to the assembly area where they will remain silent while the teacher takes attendance.  Only approved rescue personnel may reenter building after evacuation until cleared by the Headmaster.

            A copy of the earthquake emergency procedure is posted in each classroom.

            Delayed openings and school day cancellations are announced between 6:30 and 7:30 on local radio stations KTTH (770 AM) or KVI (570 AM).  Parents are asked not to call the Academy office or Academy personnel for this information.

            All visitors, including parents, must report to the Headmaster’s office prior to entering classrooms.

            The Academy regards faculty evaluations as part of a larger evaluation process by which all of its members seek to enhance the fulfillment of their professional responsibilities.  This process begins prior to the teacher’s appointment and continues each year thereafter. While one of the goals of evaluation is to provide information useful for salary decisions, faculty development is another equally important goal.

            The faculty member’s primary responsibility is classroom teaching, followed closely by intellectual and professional growth, then community leadership and entrepreneurial profitability.  Service to the Academy, leadership in student co-curricular activities and faculty associations, leadership in church and community organizations, leading a respectable family and maintaining a respectable home, keeping oneself physically and mentally fit are all other important responsibilities that can impact ones salary and status with the Academy.

            The Headmaster, in consultation with the Director of Human Resources and the Director of Systems Integrity, according to the criteria set forth by the Committee on Evaluation, determines the annual evaluation process and the instruments to be used in evaluating each teacher.  We disseminate and explain this information in the annual faculty meeting.  Teachers can expect particular attention paid to:

I. Classroom Teaching 

A.   Fulfillment of such basic responsibilities as meeting classes and other obligations regularly and punctually, being available to students for out-of-class assistance, and returning tests, quizzes, and papers promptly.

B.    Implementation of the curriculum and methodology specified in the Reference Guide

C.    The ability to organize and plan instruction around defined objectives.

D.  The ability to communicate course content clearly, systematically, forcibly, and enthusiastically.

E.  Sensitivity to student difficulties, concerns, and questions in such a way as to maintain the respect of students, parents and colleagues.

F.   Maintenance and timely submission of academic records.

G.   Effective evaluation of students.

II.   Professional Growth

A.  Continuance of one’s education through seminar and conference attendance, in-service training, enrollment in graduate courses, and reading of authoritative journals, taking higher degrees and obtaining professional licensing.

B.  Formal presentations at seminars, conferences and in-service training, as well as scholarly publications.

III. Community Leadership

A.  Writing letters to the editor, speaking in various civic organizations, doing workshops and speaking for P.T.A.s for various schools and creatively and effectively finding ways to get out the message of American Academy .

B.  Leading in various functions in the local and state Republican and Libertarian parties, holding office or advisory positions in local government, the Chamber of Commerce, activist groups, political action groups and other opinion shaping community organizations.

IV.  Profitability and Entrepreneurship

A.  Developing a business plan in conjunction with Development, Marketing, and Systems Integrity to produce income while perfecting education, helping each student to develop their own business plans in conjunction with Development, Marketing and Systems Integrity, being profitably involved with the Development, Marketing and System Integrity departments, helping students be profitably involved in your business and the other profit producing elements of the Academy.

B.  Developing educational systems and texts for implementation and mass distribution, doing authoritative research for profit and marketing, profitably managing student and Academy funds, bidding, winning and completing contract projects for profit.

V.    Service to the American Academy

A.    Planning and implementing special student activities that reflect the Academy’s mission.

B.    Volunteering to lead extracurricular activities.

C.    Serving as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher.

D.    Supporting Academy events.

E.    Speaking on behalf of the Academy and seeing that the Academy is well represented in community events.

VI.  Service in the Home and the Community

A.    Respected as a father or mother.

B.    Membership in local church and in civic organizations.

C.    Membership in family organizations, Scouting, arts and cultural groups, private healthcare support groups, private philanthropic groups, and other groups promoting the values of American Academy .

VII. Personal Example

A.    Maintaining excellent health, representing the Academy in local sporting events.

B.    Volunteering at local hospitals and care homes.

C.    Performing in local theater and choral productions.

D.    Involving students in community service.

    Faculty evaluation results are placed in each teacher’s personnel file.  Also included in such files are transcripts, copies of teaching certificates, other necessary documentation.  Such files are maintained in the Headmaster’s office.  Each teacher’s file is treated as privileged and confidential but may be reviewed by the teacher with the Headmaster.

(Much of the material in this handbook is drawn, intentionally, directly from the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide; responsibility for all material herein is solely that of American Academy and Complete Education, Inc., 2005.)