FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2003

LARSON ANNOUNCES $900,000 FOR EAST HARTFORD BACCALAUREATE ACADEMY

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today announced that he successfully secured $900,000 for the Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy in East Hartford in the Fiscal Year 2003 Appropriations Conference Report, H.J.Res. 2, which was passed by the House of Representatives last night. The funding will be used for teacher training, establishment of summer school, the purchase and installation of expanded computer equipment and other technology, the establishment of a distance learning center and will enable expanded instruction in foreign language.

Larson stated: "This valuable funding will help the baccalaureate academy continue to increase the educational opportunities it offers students through greater access to technology, distance learning capabilities and expanded instruction in the foreign language program. This is a significant program that is unique in Connecticut and this funding will go a long way to ensuring that the school and its students can continue to achieve and set the standard for other magnet schools."

East Hartford Mayor Timothy Larson stated: "These funds will allow East Hartford to expand and enhance the programming available in our school system so our children are better prepared for high education and the job market."

James Fallon, Superintendent of East Hartford Schools, stated: "We are extremely appreciative of Congressman Larson's initiative and effort on behalf of the International Baccalaureate Academy. This funding will benefit students from throughout the area including East Hartford, Manchester, Hartford as well as other towns. Most magnet schools have little or no funding when they begin, so the funding that we have received gives us a great advantage. We have a tremendous head start as we open the school."

Michael Abelon, the coordinator of the academy, stated: "The academy is really excited by the opportunities this grant will make possible. With the additional funds, we will be able to more effectively use the technology in our new building. Also we will be able to strengthen the Chinese program with distance learning and video conferencing with mainland China. The distance learning and video capabilities made possible by the grant will enhance the entire C.I.B.A. magnet school program. Also, we will be introducing collaborative software so that kids from the ten different towns can work together on the Internet. The international aspect of the I.B. program is enhanced using the next step up in technology."

The International Baccalaureate diploma program is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, that meets the needs of highly motivated secondary students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. The magnet school concept itself is a result of the Sheff vs. O'Neill desegregation case, since interdistrict magnet schools that have been created to reduce racial isolation, students attend from area cities and towns including Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, Ellington and Marlborough. It is designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill the requirements of various national education systems. The diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best elements of many. Students are accepted from the Greater Hartford area and 130 students are currently enrolled in the program.

Congressman Larson previously secured $723,000 for the school in Fiscal Year 2001.

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