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PrintSCV Education NEWS
March, 2017 - Issue #149
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Legacy Christian Academy's Big Investment in
STEM Boosts Problem-solving Skills
Recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests have shown that American children are markedly lacking in problem-solving abilities, scoring below numerous developed nations like Korea, Japan, Canada, China, Britain and Singapore - on top of lagging behind in math, science and reading, too.
It's a dismal picture that has parents scrambling. "Increasingly, we speak to potential parents who are concerned that their children won't get the education and preparation they need to be competitive in a global marketplace," explains Tim Borruel, co-founder and superintendent of Legacy Christian Academy. "That's why they're so drawn to Legacy and, particularly, our STEM focus that's built into our advanced academic curriculum."
"Legacy's STEM curriculum isn't 'just' Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - it's the application of those concepts in real-world scenarios that help every one of our students hone their critical-thinking abilities. Legacy kids are problem solvers," says Dr. Matthew Northrop, Legacy's principal. "With a project-focused curriculum, even the youngest child learns how abstract concepts become relevant to their lives. It helps them grasp core concepts but, even better than that, it instills a deep passion for learning within them - a curiosity that encourages them to take on bigger challenges because they are so eager to engage in the material and seek out viable solutions to the world's most pressing issues."
"Legacy is incredibly committed to providing the best opportunities for our students to interact with STEM in a way that is relevant, hands on and high tech. That's why we invested so much into our new Innovation Lab, our new 3D printer, competitive and enrichment Robotics programs, digital-media training, Computer classes for all grades, the best in classroom technology and so much more," says Borruel.
Legacy Christian Academy is currently scheduling personalized tours of their new Innovation Lab as well as the Valencia-based campus. 257-7377
The Mind Behind Math Support Services
More than 20 years ago, Math Support Services founder and owner Peggy Cannistraci sat at her kitchen table trying to help her children become successful in mathematics and science - a familiar experience for most parents. After dealing with the complexities of the parent-and-child relationship, and the difficulties most parents face trying to help, Peggy created a place to support parents and students throughout their careers in math and science. Peggy earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in mathematics curriculum and instruction for secondary education, as well as a Clear California Teaching Credential. With this background in education, she would realize her vision: supporting students who need a more personalized one-on-one educational setting.
Peggy founded Math Support Services, the first supplementary school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school has been recognized by the William S. Hart Union High School District in the Santa Clarita Valley and is approved to offer courses in mathematics and science including Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus, as well as PSAT, SAT and ACT preparation courses and college planning workshops. Small group and private options are also available to meet every scheduling need.
Math Support Services' courses are accepted for credit with the approval of the school counselor. The program has a 98 percent success rate on average, and more than 6,000 students have succeeded in their courses at Math Support Services since 1997.255-1730
What Sets a Catholic High School Education Apart?
Catholic schools are renowned for emphasizing excellence in academic achievement. Class size is typically smaller and the ratio of teachers to pupils greater; not surprisingly, students score consistently higher on standardized tests. Every Catholic high school in the Los Angeles Archdiocese meets rigorous college-preparatory standards and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Studies show that Catholic high schools have at least a 97 percent graduation rate and those graduates attend post-secondary schools at an equally-high percentage. According to The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, the average graduation rate for public schools is 61.7 percent. In addition to the three Rs, many Catholic schools offer more access to extra-curricular activities such as theatre and sports, with athletic teams at many schools competing at the Division 1 level. More structure is typically provided, too; each school has a Dean of Discipline who monitors behavior and students are required to complete community service to become more civic-minded.
Monsignor Sabato Pilato, superintendent of high schools, states it best: "The word 'Catholic' means universal, and we strive to make every child welcome ... Our Catholic schools are places where faith and knowledge meet ... Put together growth in faith and growth in intellectual development and you have wholeness or well roundedness that is psychologically very healthy. Life is not just about facts or the accumulation of knowledge. Life is also about mystery, wonder and faith. Catholic schools give our students the intellectual tools and faith to navigate a complex world."
Graduates of Catholic high school excelling in fields today include Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice; pop singer Lady Gaga; the Irish-born actor best known for portraying James Bond, Pierce Brosnan; and Former President Barack Obama.
Bishop Alemany High School www.alemany.org
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WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27
Saugus Union School District Preschool Enrollment
Help your preschooler grow and learn with Saugus Union School District Preschool Programs. SUSD Preschool programs offer developmentally-appropriate curriculum for 3 and 4 year olds, teaching kindergarten readiness skills in a caring and nurturing environment with a highly-qualified staff. Multi-day and full-day options are available at select locations, including a few State Preschool options which serve low-income families. www.saugususd.org
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SCVi Charter School:
At Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School, technology is a core component of everything they do. They strive to prepare every learner to become a thinker, innovator and leader in a rapidly-changing world - a world in which technology is an integral part of the everyday fabric of life.
Learners utilize technology in numerous ways, whether it's researching to gather multiple perspectives on a topic or applying technology to create a project. SCVi, the founding campus of iLEAD Schools, is a tuition-free public TK-to-12 charter school where they develop internet strategies and cultivate familiarity with technology from the earliest ages. Rather than relying on a textbook with a single point of view, learners seek out multiple points of view from multiple resources.
The knowledge they gain through their research is then applied to projects with real-life applications. A learner might use what they learn to build an item from scratch in the makery or conduct a hands-on experiment to test a theory they've developed.
At SCVi, it's all about learning through "doing" in an environment where modern technology isn't a novelty - it's a tool to be used for thinking, learning and creating - every day.
www.ileadschools.org
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