Agents in the making
Tina Edler teaches a lesson on food security and the FDA at Meade High School in Maryland. Her ninth-graders are in the homeland security program, which delves into topics including Islamic jihadism, nuclear arms, cyber-crime and domestic militias. (Chris Usher / For The Times)
A student presents a report on food security. The school’s proximity to defense firms and government intelligence operations has shaped the program’s curriculum. Students have had visitors from the FBI and the FDA, and they’ve gone on field trips to a Marine base and a Coast Guard station. (Chris Usher / For The Times)
Edler’s classroom at Meade High. The public high school has struggled for years with low test scores, high dropout rates and a history of racial violence. Officials hope the homeland security program will improve its standings. (Chris Usher / For The Times)
A table in Edler’s classroom is covered with military and intelligence magazines. The teacher, Tina Edler, has completed course work this year for a college certificate in homeland security. (Chris Usher / For The Times)
Students’ projects on security issues line the classroom at Meade High. Several of the program’s participants have lined up internships this summer at a Pentagon agency, a “CSI camp” and a NASA flight center. (Chris Usher / For The Times)
