Van Nuys : School Qualifies for Prestigious Program

Birmingham High School is poised to become the first in the Los Angeles Unified District accredited in the International Baccalaureate program after receiving favorable marks from a review team.

A mid-December letter from the team of three International Baccalaureate educators who toured Birmingham in November indicated that the school is “accepted for affiliation” and has 18 months to smooth out curriculum details before being granted official International Baccalaureate status, said program coordinator Terry Gilbert.

Recommendations primarily involved curriculum, which Gilbert said he expected. Foremost among them was a need to clearly determine course sequences and a detailed plan for teacher training, said Principal Gerald Kleinman.

The fledgling International Baccalaureate program incorporates rigorous academic study and 150 hours of mandatory community service for a specialized degree. Founded about 30 years ago for children of diplomats, the program is well-regarded by many colleges, which often reward credit to students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate.

In its first year, the program attracted about 90 freshmen and sophomores, including one-third from schools other than Birmingham.

The Birmingham program stumbled earlier this year when some teachers fretted that it would lure students away from the Advanced Placement program.

While those worries have not evaporated, Gilbert said opposition has lessened as more parents approach the school interested in enrolling their children in the prestigious Baccalaureate program. Kleinman and Gilbert said AP and IB classes will work hand in hand.

The remaining concern is funding: The International Baccalaureate Organization in New York requires a $7,000 annual fee from affiliated schools as well as $65 annually for each junior and senior.