Professional Development Schools
E. B. Williams Stoner Hill Elementary Laboratory School
In Fall 2001, the Department of Education at Centenary College joined with E.B. Williams Stoner Hill Elementary Professional Development School to form a partnership to improve the pre-service education of our undergraduates who are seeking elementary certification, and to improve the elementary education of the PK-5 students who attend Stoner Hill.
Many of our elementary methods classes are now taught at Stoner Hill, many of our elementary student teachers are placed at Stoner Hill, and many of our elementary observations and elementary pre-student teaching experiences are conducted at Stoner Hill. The principal of Stoner Hill, Ms. Michelle Franklin, with the support of the former Caddo Parish Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Ollie S. Tyler, has provided a well-equipped and easily accessible classroom in which Centenary professors can teach their undergraduate classes. The classroom is equipped with a presentation system, a television and VCR, a copy machine, several computers, and Internet connection capability.
Because many elementary methods classes are taught at Stoner Hill, Centenary professors are able to demonstrate for pre-service teachers, lessons, skills, and strategies with P-5 children. We have seen a marked improvement from previous years in our candidates' understanding of and ability to implement lessons with children. We look forward to continuing our rewarding relationship with Stoner Hill.
Youree Drive Middle School
The Department of Education at Centenary College is also a partner with Youree Drive Middle Professional Development School. Pre-service undergraduates pursuing secondary certification may intern or student teach at Youree Drive.
Youree Drive believes that an effective middle school program is designed around the unique developmental needs of early adolescents (11-14 year olds). Because the intellectual, social, physical, and emotional needs of this age group are different from either elementary or high school students, a customized educational program is necessary. The middle school is a bridge between elementary school and high school. It is not an exaggerated elementary school nor a miniature high school, but a blend of the two.
The students at Youree Drive are divided into two academic teams per grade. There are about 150-170 students on a team and they all share the same math, science, language arts, and social studies teachers. Their teachers have the same planning time and meet weekly to plan and assess interdisciplinary units, meet with students and/or parents, and plan special activities and fieldtrips for the students. Electives and Physical Education teachers are also on a team and work together to enhance student learning.
C.E. Byrd High School
Additionally, Centenary College is a partner with C.E. Byrd High Professional Development School. Pre-service undergraduates pursuing secondary certification may also intern or student teach at C.E. Byrd. Principal Mr. Jerry Badgley provides time and support to Centenary candidates interested in becoming secondary teachers.
The mission of C.E. Byrd High School is to establish among its diverse student population a strong foundation for lifelong learning, by nurturing, guiding, and challenging its students to achieve their maximum potential. The faculty, staff, students, parents, and community will work together to ensure that our students have opportunities for positive life experiences. This support will enable them to become independent, productive citizens in their communities.
C. E. Byrd High School is a science and mathematics magnet high school. C. E. Byrd High was opened in the fall of 1925 and is named for Clifton Ellis Byrd. Mr. Byrd was responsible for creating the first public high school in Shreveport - Shreveport High School, which later became C. E. Byrd High School upon moving to its current location. C. E. Byrd High School is the largest high school in the Shreveport/Bossier City metro area. It is a Blue Ribbon School and is also recognized as having the largest alumni association of any high school in the nation.
