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International Academy – LEAP is an intensive English language learning community for immigrants and refugees who are working toward a high school diploma. Academic classes and student support services are designed to meet the needs of immigrant students, respect their native languages and cultures, and prepare them to be productive members of society.
Key Student-Service Features of International Academy—LEAP
• Day-long instruction in English and content-area classes tailored to the needs of ELL students
• Small learning community that allows for individualized attention
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate work or family commitments
• Numerous bilingual staff members in teaching, support, and office roles
• Atmosphere that respects, appreciates, and supports students’ native cultures
• Two full-time social workers trained and experienced in issues related to refugee & immigrant students (social service referrals, housing, legal advocacy, etc.)
• One full-time nurse trained and experienced in healthcare issues facing refugee & immigrant students (immunizations, insurance, childcare, health screening, etc.)
• Periodic all-staff training sessions related to immigrant & refugee issues (cultural, legal, physical & social/emotional, etc.)
• Social service organizations brought to school for student information “seminars” related to immigration questions, legal issues, etc. (frequently presented in students’ native languages)
• Parenting classes and reproductive health seminars (frequently presented in students’ native languages)
• Credit through work experience program
• Some lunch items adapted to international student preferences
• Vocational training with Threads in Common program and direct contact with St. Paul Connections
• Mentorship, internship, student teacher, and community volunteer involvement
Past Successes
* Eleven years (first as LEAP English Academy and, since fall 2004, as International Academy -- LEAP) of all-day ESL and content-area classes for immigrant and refugee students (growing from approximately 100 students in the spring of 1995 to over 500 by the winter of 2004-05)
* Staff members' ESL and content-area knowledge gives students the background necessary to be successful in the content area class in an atmosphere that is comfortable & safe for newcomers to the United States.
* IA -- LEAP became the sole occupant of the Wilson building, allowing it to become the largest ALC program, fully utilize available space in a District-owned building, and hold classes in a school building (the previous site was converted warehouse/factory space, and had no cafeteria, library, gymnasium, or lockers).
Current Work: Building on Our Success
* Work with a literacy expert from the Center for Academic Excellence to develop and improve literacy instruction in levels 1 and 2 according to current research.
* Sequential schedule of classes to prepare students for higher-level science classes
* Recently re-aligned math curriculum for entire math department
* Sequential computer classes from basic keyboarding to webpage design & animation
* Partnership with scientists from the University of Minnesota and Mankato State University through the Common X-Change program
* Title 1 classes for students whose scores are close to passing the Basic Sills Test in Math and Reading
* Aligned geography classes from level 1 through 3.
* Added specialist teachers in the areas of art, music, physical education
* Continuation of Threads in Common program to teach tailoring & alterations skills to students
* Mentorship Program for Hmong refugee students
* Periodic presentations from community service & civil rights organizations (Neighborhood Justice Center, MN Advocates for Legal Rights, Department of Labor, etc.)
* Collaboration with the St. Paul Connections program to offer Internship to mainstream high school students opportunities to tutor and assist in classes.
* Collaboration with St. Paul Connections to offer a Chinese class for IA-LEAP students and mainstream high school students
Challenges for the Future
* Offering more international language classes to our students and to mainstream students
* Offering native language literacy classes to our students and mainstream students
* Strengthening the partnerships we have cultural agencies.
* Adding a garden on school grounds to be used by science classes, nutritional studies, school & community enjoyment, etc.
* Strengthening our relationships with area colleges & universities to become a "lab school" for language learning, cultural studies, and urban education
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