LIFE EXPERIENCE ACADEMIC DIPLOMA PROGRAM

The Life Experience Academic Diploma (LEAD) Program is designed to provide an innovative and creative alternative that will attract out-of-school (OSY) youth to engage in the pursuit of completing their high school education. The teaching and learning approach combines independent and guided study. Students will complete interesting and relevant projects for a high school diploma, and prepare for higher education and careers. A modified Project Based Learning model will be used in combination with guided instruction to provide learning opportunities organized around assigned and selected projects.  Learning experiences will emphasize the students’ points of view and help them develop the motivation and knowledge required to engage in the cognitively challenging work required for project completion, future learning success, and application.

Projects will involve complex tasks, based on challenging questions or problems, which involve students in design, problem solving, decision-making, or investigative activities. Each course’s instructional unit will give students the opportunity to work autonomously and with guided learning experiences over the course of a trimester.

The teaching and learning model will provide multiple opportunities for cooperative learning and reflection. Multidisciplinary themes will be established to allow students to make important connections, along with opportunities for service learning and exposure to careers.  Projects will culminate in realistic products and presentations.

Partnership with the School District of Philadelphia

Office of Transition and Alternative Education

Multiple Pathways

Funded by the Annenberg Foundation