JMAC Gets Linked Learning Certification

1/16/14

Jordan High School’s Media and Communication (JMAC) teachers recently accepted a plaque and banner from the non-profit ConnectEd honoring the program with Linked Learning Certification. 

The certification means that JMAC meets rigorous standards for combining strong academics, demanding technical education and real-world experience in a pathway centered on an industry theme.

JMAC is the Long Beach Unified School District’s first non-specialized Small Learning Community, or pathway, to earn such certification.  LBUSD’s other Linked Learning certified pathways – the California Academy of Mathematics and Science, COMPASS and PEACE at Millikan High School, and the ACE Academy at Jordan – are specialized programs on the high school choice application.

To achieve certification, a pathway or academy must meet rigorous criteria developed by representatives from Linked Learning partner organizations, including the National Academy Foundation, the National Career Academy Coalition, the Career Academy Support Network, The Education Trust-West, ConnectEd, business and industry, and other organizations interested in Linked Learning.

JMAC is led by teachers Jodi Irish and Matt Hedley, who with a team of teachers plan lessons that cross over their curricular areas so students can see the relevance of what they are learning.  Students discover how world history, for instance, is associated with biology, which is associated with English.

The centerpiece of JMAC is a full television station setup.  Housed under the auditorium stage, the setup includes a green screen and a bank of TV monitors, along with an army of students who film events on campus.  JMAC students write editorials and scripts for news broadcasts, perform in front of the camera, conduct interviews and edit film.  Twice a week, JMAC students broadcast a school-wide news program.