School Gets Prestigious Academic Affiliation

Birmingham High School became the first International Baccalaureate affiliate in the Los Angeles Unified School District this week and will begin implementing the program’s rigorous academic curriculum this fall.

School officials believe that the highly regarded, 30-year-old education program--with its emphasis on foreign languages, learning theory, research projects and community services--will give the school an edge in this era of open enrollment.

The program is also, according to Birmingham Principal Gerald Kleinman, looked upon favorably by colleges and universities.

“This is a very positive thing,” Kleinman said. “It means we’re seriously looking at improvement of instruction for all our students.”

Affiliation with the Geneva-based IB program--which was expected--is a step along the road to being granted official IB status, which could occur within the year. The IB organization has recommended curriculum improvements and additional teacher training in the meantime.

The IB curriculum was developed 30 years ago for the children of diplomats, but it is not elitist, Kleinman said.

Although the actual IB classes do not kick in until the junior year of high school, Birmingham’s program has already attracted 90 ninth- and 10th-graders. The program culminates in examinations for which colleges often grant credit.

While teachers prepare for more challenging classes, Kleinman said the school is pursuing foundation and grant monies to cover the $7,000 annual affiliation fee and the $65 annual cost for juniors and seniors.