Immaculata-La Salle becomes first STEM-certified Catholic school

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

MIAMI| Immaculate - La Salle High School has been awarded STEM certification by AdvancED, becoming only the second school - and the first Catholic school - in the AdvancED network to receive this unique recognition.

ILS was among a select group of schools invited to apply for this certification. AdvancED accredits over 32,000 schools across the United States and has begun a pilot program to certify schools excelling in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM, education.

To earn STEM certification, ILS had to undergo a self-study and on-site visit by AdvancED specialists who looked at 11 indicators of success with STEM content and development. The school had to meet or exceed rigorous criteria, such as cross-curricular education with real world applications, performance-based assessments, student self-direction, and extra-curricular opportunities.

ILS’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM) Concentration Program features unique and varied courses of study for students. Classes include:

• Engineering
• Electronics
• Robotics
• Film and television production
• Computer graphics
• Animation
• Computer aided drafting
• Costume design

Various technology, math and science courses are also taught. In addition, students are involved in extracurricular STEM-related activities, they complete industry-level certifications, and they take part in internships.

Students chart their progress through the program using a portfolio system that gives them skills in critical thinking, research, argumentation and artifact collection. This portfolio is a capstone project, that along with completing all course and GPA requirements, is necessary to receive a STEAM endorsement on their high school diploma. The endorsement highlights a focus of study which will prepare them for future college and career goals.

“Exposure to focused STEAM education and career opportunities will allow our students to gain a broader understanding of the current and future needs of our society and will hopefully inspire them to pursue STEM related careers as they move in college,” said Scott Givonetti, ILS’ STEAM coordinator.  

ILS believes that STEAM is vital as part of a seamless educational experience for its students, who are all presented with an increasing STEAM literacy to nurture active, lifelong learning. 

Fredy Padovan, executive director for Advancement and Technology at ILS, said “the core of 21st Century education isn’t about asking a student if they know something, rather it’s about can they find it, connect with it and ultimately use that knowledge to create something new.”