To help prepare students for the area’s workforce demands, East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) has implemented two programs specifically focused on current and anticipated career pathways in the medical and environmental fields. As the Director of Focus Choice Schools, Dr. Lillie Flores, who joined the team in the Innovative and Specialized Programs Department in October 2022, is responsible for implementing new schools and monitoring the progress of programs at Park Elementary and Eva Legard Learning Center.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Lillie Flores, East Baton Rouge Parish Magnet Schools Director of Focus Choice Schools; Elizabeth Thomas, Recruiter for Innovative and Specialized Programs
Phone: 225.922.5472
Address: 1050 S. Foster Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Website: ebrfocus.org
“These Focus Choice model schools help promote career awareness while giving students a comprehensive knowledge of specific industries,” says Flores. In addition, micro-programs focus on specialized themes designed by agreements with post-secondary institutions, such as LSU and Southern, for a Teaching Academy at J.K. Haynes. Future programs will include other industry-based partners, each assisting the district with implementation and specialized support for students and teachers.
“We work with industries and post-secondary partners across the district who work as intentional partners to create a pipeline to college and careers in the chosen field. The boutique school model increases choice options for students through smaller class sizes and specialized programming,” says Dr. Sito Narcisse, the Superintendent for EBRPSS.
The medical program at Park Elementary is an exploratory model for students in grades Pre-K through 7th grade for the upcoming school year, and the Eva Legard Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies for sixth and seventh graders. The program at J. K. Haynes will serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade, phasing in a grade each year.
By closely partnering with industry-based partners aligned with each school, Flores and her team collaborate with area employers on events, guest speakers, and enrichment and field experiences for both students and teachers. “Each session offers more awareness of the broad scope of career opportunities within their school’s field,” she says. “We want students to learn as much as possible about each field so they’ll leave knowing that industries are not just limited to one facet, but offer all ranges of career opportunities.”