School to Implement Advanced Curriculum

Birmingham High School in Van Nuys 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 looked upon favorably by colleges and universities, said Birmingham Principal Gerald Kleinman.

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

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

Although the actual International Baccalaureate 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--similar to Advanced Placement tests--for which colleges often grant credit.