Greensboro, Ga. (May 6, 2016) – Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) faculty members were invited to present at the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) awards ceremony for the new International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS) global education initiative in Atlanta on April 19, 2016. LOA presented information regarding three different programs the school has launched. The implementation of these programs further solidifies the global focus of the curriculum and expands opportunities for students to prepare to meet the demands of the global job market.
The ISDS is awarded to graduating students who fulfill a course of study with a global focus to include:
At least three credits in the same world language and/or ESOL International Focus
At least four credits in courses determined to have an international focus
At least four extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes and/or in global contexts (e.g., exchange programs, international and language clubs, travel abroad)
Twenty hours of community service involving a global/cross-cultural public service project
Capstone presentation on the knowledge gained in the courses and activities listed above
According to the World Languages and Global/Workforce initiatives developed by the Georgia DOE, “Developing international perspective and advanced language proficiency, particularly as this relates to college and career readiness, will ensure our nation's security and will support our statewide and regional economic development goals. Business leaders across Georgia and the Southeast have made it clear that these skills are the fastest route to success in a global job market and that they provide a competitive advantage that moves an applicant's resume to the top of the pile.”
LOA CEO, Dr. Otho Tucker, and LOA Spanish teacher, Christina Cronic, were invited to share the unique programs LOA is implementing that demonstrate the global mindedness that the ISDS is striving to achieve. The programs are Project Lead the Way (PLTW), which emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math; AP® with WE.org Service, a pilot program with courses having a global focus and service initiative; and the International Spanish Academy (ISA), a dual-diploma program from the Ministry of Education of Spain. These programs will combine to allow most LOA graduates to meet the criteria for the International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS). LOA’s graduation requirement of three years of foreign language and 70 hours of community service for all students, along with the courses offered through these innovative programs and the traditional course of study in high school, satisfy the majority of the requirements for the diploma seal. LOA will have its first graduating class in 2018.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org