By Chris Chapman
Olean Times Herald
OLEAN - Along with a new name for their school, students at Archbishop Walsh Academy will also have a broader, more widely recognized curriculum to study.
To go with the new name, students will be able to take advantage of a globally recognized curriculum, according to Walsh officials.
After the completion of a rigorous, two-year accreditation program, the school will be one of a select few in the Western New York region to offer the International Baccalaureate diploma.
"We have completed the first phase of the process," Elizabeth Powers, Dresser-Rand vice president of public and community relations, said.
Mrs Powers is also leading the rebuilding process at Archbishop Walsh.
"We will have accreditation in less than two years," she said.
"I believe that the (International Baccalaureate) curriculum will open doors for students at colleges and universities," she said. "It is generally recognized as a premier program and is usually only available in much larger cities and at only a couple of schools in those cities."
In an effort to align the new curriculum, Superintendent Donna Sweet said she has restructured some of the academic programs at the school. She has also received the backing of her teaching faculty.
"Every teacher has made a commitment to take the International Baccalaureate courses (to be an accredited teacher), and has committed to visiting a IB school during the next year," Mrs. Sweet said.
Over the past year, Mrs. Sweet has visited a couple schools that use the curriculum to see how they operate.
The program uses a component that teaches the students how to learn.
"It's learning about learning," Mrs. Sweet said. "That's what every school aspires to."
According to the International Baccalaureate Web site, Archbishop Walsh will join City Honors of Buffalo on the list of 54 New York state schools to be recognized with the curriculum.
The International Baccalaureate program focuses on three core requirement areas, the extended essay, the Theory of Knowledge and a section called Creativity, Action, Service.
The extended essay is a paper in which a student takes a serious, in-depth look at a topic of their interest. The paper is a opportunity for the student to independently research the topic area while building the writing skills that will be expected at the university level.
The Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary course, designed to develop an appreciation for other cultures and mindsets.
The Creativity, Action, Service requirement is a way to nurture the students' appreciation in the world outside the academic setting.