The Buffalo Public Schools are in the midst of monumental changes to their district. Currently, four of its schools are labeled, “out of time” by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In order to remove this status, each school has created an innovative plan, which the Buffalo Board of Education will vote on for submission to NYSED.
With the meeting set for January 28th, the Board of Education has allowed for a brief commentary period on each innovative plan.
Rather than read a long proposal, Lafayette High School teachers have created a video to highlight their newly proposed school, Lafayette International Academy.
The Lafayette International Academy, or LIA is designed to leverage its international student body into opportunities to support the regional economy and community. The new school will have College and Career pathways based on the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council’s Strategic Plan (2011), along with needs in the community. The school identified three pathways; Hospitality & Tourism, Education, and Homeland Security.
To reach success in these pathways, students will receive instruction through project based learning.
With over 70% of students who do not speak English as their home language, LIA will bring to Buffalo a new model called, Dynamic Bilingualism. Using and accepting both languages in the classroom, Dynamic Bilingualism will build upon the knowledge that students have in their home languages as they learn English.
In order for students to thrive in college and also challenge accelerated learners, LIA has developed dual credit articulation agreements with local colleges. Students can take college level courses, while they are still attending high school. At LIA, students can earn up to 18 credits toward college.
Below is a short, trailer version of the video and the full version. These videos are based on presentations given to the Buffalo Board of Education and the community.
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