Category Archives: Global Education

Class of 2014 IB diploma candidates receive their degrees

LamarHS_CO2014_IBDipsMore than 100 members of HISD’s Class of 2014 took home their International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas recently. Ninety-six graduates from Lamar High School (some of whom are pictured here) and 10 from Bellaire High School accepted their degrees during special ceremonies held on Jan. 5 and Dec. 17, respectively.

Since IB diplomas are not conferred until late summer, students are generally presented with them while at home, on break from university.

Lamar and Bellaire were the first two HISD high schools to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is composed of academically challenging and advanced curriculum. Lamar’s IB Diploma program is the largest in Texas and one of the top 10 IB Diploma programs in the United States. Reagan High School received its IB authorization for the Middle Years Programme in the fall of 2013. It is currently in the process of obtaining authorization to offer the IB Degree Program. The first students eligible to graduate from that campus with IB diplomas will be the Class of 2018.

Beijing educators tour HISD schools, observe classrooms

20150112_151757_resizedEducators from China’s Beijing School #20 began a two-day visit of HISD schools and the central office building on Jan. 12 to observe various classrooms, explore opportunities for collaboration, and discuss school management and curriculum.

The group toured Sharpstown International School on Jan. 12 and will visit the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center and Carnegie Vanguard High School on Jan. 13. The special guests participated in discussions with district board trustees, administrators, curriculum directors, and school support officers.

Students become global thinkers in IB programs

Tamokia Thompson, right, poses for a photograph with her daughter, Cienna Alley, left, at Fondren Middle School, September 9, 2014. (Houston ISD/Dave Einsel)

Tamokia Thompson, right, poses for a photograph with her daughter, Cienna Alley, left, at Fondren Middle School.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Fondren Middle School challenges students to think globally by grasping skills in design and technology to research, solve problems, and present new ideas on international places, populations, and cultures.

As a district of choice, Fondren is one of several IB schools that HISD families can choose. The rigorous and broad IB program empowers students to become bilingual and biliterate learners who embrace multiculturalism and diversity. The deadline to apply to an IB program is Friday, Dec. 19.  Continue reading →

Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School breaks ground for new facility

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Stakeholders for the Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School gathered Saturday at the school’s new site in the Galleria area to break ground on a new 21st century building. The $32 million campus is being built as part of the HISD’s 2012 bond program.

Continue reading →

Strong classroom support promotes success for HISD dual language expansion

When Houston ISD doubled its dual language programs to include 28 schools this August, that was just the beginning of district’s commitment to making sure students on those campuses become bilingual and biliterate.

Representatives of HISD’s Multilingual Programs Department have visited each school to evaluate instructional practices and to offer support for principals and teachers to embed language instruction into strong academic content. Native Spanish-speakers learn English, and English speakers gain a second language through immersion. Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education approves creation of
Arabic Language Immersion Magnet School

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to approve plans for the district’s first-ever Arabic Language Immersion Magnet School.

The school is set to open its doors in the fall of 2015, with two pre-kindergarten and two kindergarten classes. A new grade level would be added each year as the students progress through the fifth grade.

Continue reading →

CNN Hero helps Harvard ES kick off IB Action Project

Elizabeth Suneby and Razia Jan

Elizabeth Suneby and Razia Jan

Harvard Elementary students learned what some students in Afghanistan deal with on a daily basis, straight from a woman who founded an all-girls school in a rural area of the country.

Razia Jan visited Harvard on Nov. 11, 2014, as part of the school’s IB Action Project. Jan, who was named a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2012, is the founder of Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Afghanistan through community-based education. Harvard students will raise money for the foundation through a read-a-thon, selling spirit bracelets, and seeking direct donations. Continue reading →

Dual language program to double in size for 2015–2016 school year

HISD’s dual language program is doubling in size next year to more than 50 campuses — and the district is currently recruiting schools to commit to the year-long process to become a dual language campus for the 2015–2016 year.

Dual language campuses promote instruction in two languages as equally important. This allows English Language Learners (ELLs) to retain their own language while mastering English and gives native English speakers the gift of bilingualism. Studies have shown that children enrolled in dual-language programs routinely outperform their peers on standardized tests, do better on college-readiness exams such as the SAT, and can earn up to 20 percent more in wages as adults.

“Dual language schools also support biculturalism,” said Assistant Superintendent of Multilingual Programs Gracie Guerrero. “It’s a win-win for everyone, and HISD’s long-term vision is that every graduate will be fluent in two languages.”

HISD’s current dual language schools are now accepting student applications for the 2015–2016 school year. For a complete listing of campuses, click here, or watch the video below to learn more about the program and its benefits.

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Schools interested in the opportunity of becoming a dual language campus for the 2015–2016 school year should contact Gracie Guerrero at guerre5@HoustonISD.org or 713-556-6961.

HAIS recognized as 2014 National Blue Ribbon School

The Houston Academy for International Studies has been named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School.

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National Blue Ribbons are awarded annually to schools to validate the hard work of students and educators. To be recognized as an exemplary high performing school, a school must have its students test in the top 15 percent in the state in both reading and math, have subgroups test in the top 40 percent in the state or have a graduation rate in the top 15 percent in the state. Continue reading →

Rodriguez and Wharton are HISD’s newest IB schools

Rodriguez Elementary School and the Wharton Dual Language Academy have received official authorization to operate as International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. These authorizations bring the district total to 16 IB campuses.

“We earned our authorized IB status through the extensive, collaborative hard work and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, and parents,” said Wharton Principal Jennifer Day. “This journey has brought our school community a long way toward realizing our mission of empowering our students to become respectful, life-long, bilingual and bi-literate inquirers who celebrate diversity as responsible citizens of the world.”

“Our IB authorization reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence for the diverse children of the Gulfton community,” said Rodriguez ES Principal Elena Martinez-Buley.” We are determined to close student achievement gaps by providing a rigorous, meaningful, and integrated curriculum that will expand our student’s knowledge and provide them with the tools to be productive citizens in our society and across the world.” Continue reading →