L.A. School Partners with Loyola Marymount Univ. to Implement “First of its Kind” Learning Model

LOS ANGELES - June 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Los Angeles – Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Loyola Marymount University School of Education announce a partnership to implement a cutting-edge Blended Learning model at the inner city Los Angeles Catholic school. LMU will collaborate with the school to implement an innovative Blended Learning curriculum that integrates online learning and traditional face-to-face instruction in order to provide students with access to new technologies and 21st-century learning experiences that will prepare them for their educational journey through high school, college and into their careers.

The nationally ranked Loyola Marymount University School of Education prepares the next generation of education leaders who are grounded in the Jesuit tradition of social justice and advocate for opportunity and equity for all learners. LMU is one of the largest preparers of Catholic school educators in the nation, and through its Center for Catholic Education, LMU serves as an anchor for Catholic schools both regionally and nationally, providing crucial support through leadership development, teacher preparation, research, and professional development and outreach.

Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School (founded in 1924) will be the first school to   implement a groundbreaking Blended Learning model designed by the LMU School of Education. The school ministers to the largely underserved children and families in the Los Angeles community of Jefferson Park – a community impacted by poverty, crime and historically low graduation rates.

Committed to faith formation, academic excellence and innovative educational   strategies, Holy Name of Jesus and LMU School of Education are creating a Blended Learning program employing proven, research-based practices to improve instruction and student outcomes. Both adaptive and individualized, this Blended Learning model uses small group instruction and differentiated learning strategies, supported by the latest technology and software. The Blended Learning model draws on LMU’ssuccessful Center for Math and Science Teaching (CMAST) Teacher Leaderprofessional development program that aims to increase student engagement and achievement through a focus on leadership and collaboration.

“We have been on this path for some time,” remarked HNOJ Principal Marva Belisle. “But now, with a world class partner like LMU, we can increase our impact in the community exponentially.” The mission of Holy Name of Jesus School is to “reduce the inequity in educational opportunity for economically disadvantaged children.”

“The LMU School of Education is excited to partner with Holy Name of Jesus  Catholic School on this Blended Learning model as part of our larger effort through the LMU Center for Catholic Education to ensure that Catholic schools continue to serve as pillars of urban communities in Southern California and across the nation,” said Shane P. Martin, dean of the LMU School of Education.