Verbum Dei High School

Over the past four years, Verbum Dei High School, located in Watts, has had 100 percent of its graduating seniors gain acceptances into colleges and universities across the country.  However, the average entering ninth grader is behind grade level in all subjects, and recent data gathered from standardized tests show that current students score below the college ready benchmarks for math and science, compared to national norms.  To address this major issue, Verbum Dei developed the Math and Science Enrichment Initiative, which includes a partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Math and Science Teaching (CMAST) to provide teacher training and professional development opportunities for Verbum Dei Math and Science Department teachers.  Goals include:  (1) establish the CMAST system to foster hands-on, active learning at Verbum Dei; (2) establish AP Math and Science courses; (3) increase student college readiness; and (4) increase student engagement in math and science.