Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning: Expanding Educational Horizons in Calcasieu Parish
As society progresses, Calcasieu Parish High Schools are dedicated to equipping students for the evolving world. This commitment involves meeting specific requirements in core subjects like English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Health & PE. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to explore electives, including vocational classes, designed to foster success in the global economy. The Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning (LCB Academy) exemplifies the diverse opportunities available to students who choose to enroll in its courses.
A Hub for Extended Learning Services
Founded in July 2007, the Lake Charles-Boston Academy was created to serve as a hub for extended learning services, aimed at broadening and enriching the educational and artistic development of students across the Calcasieu Parish School System. The LCB Academy serves as a model example of the diverse opportunities that await students if they choose to enroll in courses that are offered. These include curricula in Vocational Education, Fine Arts, Technology, and Advanced Placement courses, just to name a few. The High School Department operates in a continual mode of implementing new programs, ideas, and instruction that better prepare students for their chosen occupation. The department strives to maintain and enhance the quality of education that is present in our classrooms.
The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP): A Game-Changer
The Calcasieu Parish School Board is leveraging the lessons learned during the pandemic to introduce innovative approaches for delivering advanced courses across all high schools in the parish. The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) gives high school students across the district a chance to take 6 different stem courses, 14 dual enrollment courses in partnership with SOWELA, and 8 other high school offerings such as criminal justice and physics, all from certified teachers in the parish.. and all without having to leave their own school. The “virtual instruction program” is being made available to high school students the opportunity to enroll in various advanced courses, without ever having to leave their school.
Key Features of VIP
- Accessibility: The program is run out of the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning, but students at all 11 high schools in Calcasieu parish can enroll.
- Flexibility: Unlike traditional virtual programs, VIP does not require students to commit to a fully virtual environment. “You might take face-to-face English at your school. when that bell rings, and you go to second period, you may go into that virtual lab, and take that physics class that is not offered on you campus,” said Dr. DeVillier.
- Equity: “To be able to offer every school the exact same offerings is to me, a game-changer,” said Dr. DeVillier. “Really gonna give them some opportunities to really take some courses that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to take on their campus.”
- Dual Enrollment Opportunities: Many VIP courses are dual enrollment opportunities through Sowela, allowing students to not only earn college credit while in high school, but they can also strategically design a graduation plan.
How VIP Works
The Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) offers live instruction to students on their school campuses, delivered by teachers from Lake Charles Boston Academy. Students are assigned to a VIP Lab on their campus for the live class sessions. Each day, students log in at the scheduled time to receive instruction from their VIP teachers.
Addressing the Teacher Shortage
This new program was prompted by the nationwide teacher shortage, along with the success of virtual schooling during the pandemic.
Read also: Enhancing Education in Lake County
Preparing Students for the Future
“Trying to get ahead of the game on what we can offer students, and make them successful whenever they leave us,” said Dr. Doug DeVillier, V.I.P. Coordinator. “Being a part of a virtual class while you’re still in high school is going to give them that leg up on that because they’re going to really benefit, they’re going to get those skills that they need.”
Enrollment Information
To enroll students will work with their high school counselor to request classes as part of the scheduling process. For specific questions about VIP, contact Dr. Turn in your signed Consent to your school counselor. Request an official Transcript for dual enrollment credits.
Read also: Office of Education Initiatives
Read also: Your Guide to Big Lake Community Education
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