An alternative graduation model, called the “Extension Academy”, will allow specific students to participate in a fifth year of high school so they can earn career skills and gain credits toward a degree as well as increase their chances of being successful after graduation. Louisiana Believes states the priority deadline for school year 2020-2021 is November 20.
In 2018, around 15,000 Louisiana students who graduated on a TOPS University Diploma pathway weren’t eligible for a TOPS scholarship for higher education, and about 3,200 students who graduated with a Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma weren’t eligible for TOPS Tech scholarships to pursue further training and weren’t on track to earn industry-based credentials. The Extension Academy pilot programs are tailored to support students who are set to graduate from high school, but haven’t earned the Taylor Opportunity for Students (TOPS) scholarships in order to fund their post-graduation education or acquire post-secondary credentials.
Over the course of a three year pilot, Louisiana schools that are interested in bringing this pathway to their students must outline how they plan to provide these students a debt-free one-year opportunity to “achieve significant progress toward a state-recognized associate’s degree through accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, complete a registered pre-apprenticeship, and/or earn an advanced industry-based credential.” Included in their pitch, they are required to detail the different types of support and post-secondary transitional coaching they will have available to the participating students as they complete the pathway.
About the opportunity, superintendent John White says, “”The question we used to ask ourselves was how high we could raise our graduation rate and how low we could push our dropout rate. Now we are compelled to ask what happens to our graduates, and whether they risk dropping out of work and the economy even after they graduate from high school. If this is the case, even with a small number of students, we must rise to meet this new dropout challenge. We encourage our school systems, as well as our higher education, business and community partners, to develop small-scale models for study and potential replication in the future, and to consider the potential impact their involvement could have on young people at a critical point in their lives.”
After the application deadline, the selected pilot locations will be presented to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for their approval during the joint meeting with the Louisiana Board of Regents this upcoming winter.
The approved Extension Academy plan will bring together 29 different area schools and other local partners to provide students with hands-on opportunities in an effort to build better workplace skills, training in construction crafts, graphic design skills, and increase familiarity with video editing and software development. The accredited higher education partner, which will provide accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, will be Southern New Hampshire University.
Today, there are 18 students participating in the pathway, and each student has a uniquely individualized plan for this 3 year experience.
For more education related information, click here.
Between work, school, and everything in between, cooking dinner every night can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, the Food Network has got your back! Here are 5 super easy weeknight dinners for those nights where you don’t have the time to cook a big meal:
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 pound thin chicken cutlets
12 flour tortillas
2 limes (1 juiced and 1 cut into 8 wedges – for serving)
8 ounces salsa
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces crumbled cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro leaves, for serving
Directions
Preheat the broiler on high and position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches below the broiler element.
Add tomatoes, jalapenos, onion, and bell peppers to a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil and then add the oregano, chili powder, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss everything together to get it coated with the oil and spices. Push mixture to one side of the baking sheet. Lay the chicken flat on the other side and season with salt and pepper.
Place in broiler for 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and vegetables and return to the broiler until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened and charred, approximately 5 more minutes.
Wrap the tortillas in paper towels and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Remove tortillas from microwave, unwrap, and put on a platter.
Shred the chicken, then spoon the roasted vegetables into a blender with any juices from the baking sheet and blend until smooth. Toss 1 cup of the sauce with the chicken. Squeeze the juice of the lime over it, and put the remaining sauce in a bowl to serve on the side.
Serve with the warm tortillas, salsa, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges, and cilantro. Tomato soup is so versatile, it can be enjoyed several ways for an easy weeknight dinner.
2 1/2 pounds assorted tomatoes (heirloom, vine, and plum)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
6 cloves garlic
2 small onions, sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1-quart chicken stock
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup heavy cream
Grilled Cheese:
Country white bread
Dijon mustard
Cheddar cheese (sliced)
Granny Smith Apple (sliced thin)
Butter
Cooked bacon
Directions:
Grilled Cheese:
Spread the dijon mustard on 4 slices country white bread. Top with sliced cheddar cheese, cooked bacon and sliced Granny Smith apple, then top each sandwich with another slice of bread. Butter the outsides of the sandwiches, then cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the bread is golden, about 3 minutes per side.
Serve with Roasted Tomato Soup.
Roasted Tomato Soup:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Core and halve the tomatoes (leave the cherry tomatoes whole). Heat a flameproof roasting pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle pan with 1/2 cup olive oil, then spread all of the tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the pan.
Stirring gently, cook until the garlic is browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast until the tomatoes are caramelized, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove the roasted tomatoes, garlic and onions from the oven and transfer to a large stockpot (set the cherry tomatoes aside for garnish). Add 3 cups of chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
Add the basil to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or puree in a regular blender and return to the pot). Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream and adjust the consistency with the remaining 1 cup chicken stock, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with the roasted cherry tomatoes; drizzle with olive oil.
Brush the grill with vegetable oil and preheat to medium-high.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When the olive oil is hot, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat off, then add brandy. Turn the heat back on and cook until the brandy is reduced by half (approx 1 minute). Add diced tomatoes, sugar, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon each black pepper and lemon pepper and a pinch of kosher salt over one side of the steak.
Put the steak on the hot grill, seasoned side down, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch salt on the top of the steak and then flip it. Cook it for a further 3 to 4 minutes until desired rarity. Remove and rest while the sauce is finished.
Reduce heat to low under the sauce. Stir in the fontina and 1 tablespoon of the blue cheese. Stir in cream and horseradish, then add in a little half-and-half if the sauce is too thick. Cook for a minute or two, tasting and adding more seasonings as needed.
Then, cut the steak into 1/2-inch strips.
At the last minute, add the spinach to the sauce and toss to coat. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix everything together.
Place the steak on top of the pasta. Garnish the dish with basil and the remaining 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles. Serve straight from the skillet.
Wrap beef in plastic wrap and freeze until firm (not rock hard). Once firm, slice beef thinly, then place in baking dish. In a small skillet, toast sesame seeds. To create the marinade, in small bowl combine scallions, garlic, vinegar, water, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and pepper. Stir well. Pour marinade over beef. Let sit for 30 minutes
In separate skillet heat oil. Add ginger and garlic and cook until the aroma is released, then add carrots and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until carrots are tender, approximately 2 minutes. Add snow peas and simmer until tender (around 2 minutes).
Remove beef from baking dish and grill until brown around edges, about 30 seconds per side. Add vegetables to beef. Stir and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with boiled white rice to enjoy for one of your easy weeknight dinners.
2 1/4 pounds ground meatloaf mix (a combination of beef, pork, and veal)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 scallions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (chopped)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces small fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
3 carrots, sliced 1 inch thick
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Directions
Combine the meatloaf mix, panko, eggs, 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, the scallions, parsley, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl; mix with your hands until just combined. Form into a 5-by-9-inch loaf.
Transfer the meatloaf to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the potatoes and carrots over and around the meatloaf, then pour in the chicken broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
When the meatloaf is done, skim off any excess fat from the juices in the slow cooker. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and the brown sugar in a small bowl, then whisk in 1/4 cup juices from the slow cooker. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the ketchup mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest, 10 minutes.
Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and slice in half. Serve with vegetables; top with more parsley.
Wintertime is often viewed as the least appealing season to go out and take on new adventures, but realistically that’s not true at all! Often, our favorite summer hotspots are transformed into white wonderlands, bringing a whole new perspective and round of fun activities to participate in. So grab your jackets and check out which cities you should check out this winter, told by Travel and Leisure!
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, this city is filled with adventures. Head to the ski slopes for your winter sport or you can hit the hiking trails that are open year-round. You can learn all about Asheville on the downtown Asheville Urban Trail or explore the Biltmore Estate, which was George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau. If you’d prefer inside activities to escape the harsh winter winds, wintertime is the perfect time to explore the crowd-less galleries and museums downtown.
The best thing about New York City in the winter? No crowds! You can easily peruse museums, comedy clubs, popular restaurants, and even a few Broadway shows without navigating through boatloads of people. Or rent some skates and try your hand at ice skating!
Make sure to pack your swimsuit because Honolulu is the perfectwinter escape for those who prefer warm weather and plenty of sunshine. Try snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, surfing the waves, or even just relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a few things to fill up your itinerary, head to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the Bishop Museum, or Iolani Palace to learn about the island culture
Just a few miles north from Los Angeles International Airport, Venice is a popular California city for its street vendors, canals, and infamous Muscle Beach. You can also dine in one of their excellent restaurants, food trucks, or cafes and then head out on a shopping trip in one of their upscale stores or downplay it in a mom and pop souvenir shop.
Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is placed on the shore of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont, just a few miles from Burlington International Airport. Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, and Bolton Valley are just a few ski resorts that reside in this city, with slopes designed for beginners and experts. You can rent a room at one of their cozy Bed and Breakfasts and then head downtown to explore their shops, restaurants, live music, and their Church Street Marketplace.
Founded as a fur trading post in 1811, this city is right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Only two hours from Portland and three hours from Seattle, the 4.1-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Astoria to Washington. Visit downtown to visit their small-town features, like the restored 1925 Liberty Theater or the Flavel House.
The ultimate winter sports lover’s dream, Jackson Hole is filled to the brim with winter activities for its visitors. You can hit the slopes or go ice skating, snowmobiling, back country skiing, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to visit Yellowstone National Park in a snowcoach, with access to Old Faithful, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife. Jackson Hole truly is a winter travel spot that should be on everyone’s must do list.
Florida’s southernmost point, the drive to Key West takes newcomers across 42 bridges. With winter temps in the 70s, a booming nightlife, plenty of history and culture to explore, and an ample amount of water sports, this city attracts visitors worldwide. During the day, go snorkeling or diving in the coral reefs and then dry off and head to one of Duval Street’s restaurants for a fresh seafood dinner. Even though its not your typical winter travel spot, consider Key West for a great getaway with a little warmth when you need it most.
For more travel related news and information, click here.
Louisiana is a state filled to the brim with culture and history, and it’s without-a-doubt a place everyone should visit at least once in their life. A melting pot of French, African, and American culture, you can find a bit of history around every corner. It’s safe to say that you’ll never be bored in Louisiana. Below, we are sharing 8 things every person should add to their Louisiana bucket list.
Learn Louisiana history in a spooky way – with a ghost tour, of course! Between African slaves, invasions from pirates, and plenty of battles, New Orleans is the most haunted place in the States (if you believe in that kind of thing). Whether you prefer a quirky tour or a more formal one, make sure to set an evening aside to get the inside scoop and a hefty dose of a melting pot of culture.
Located in Vacherie, Louisiana, this plantation is named for the double row of southern live oak trees that create a canopy that run between the home and Mississippi River. The property was designated a National Historical Landmark because of its architecture and landscaping and is a sight to see on anyone’s Louisiana bucket list.
Eat Po Boys
According to history, the Po-boy was invented by two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, in order to feed the streetcar drivers in New Orleans in 1929. The Po-by is a sandwich that consists of roast beef or fried seafood (like shrimp, crawfish, oysters, or crab). Make sure to head to Killer Po Boys to grab this Louisiana classic.
A free music festival in Lafayette, the Festival International de Louisiane is the largest non-ticketed outdoor Francophone festival in the country. This five day festival includes hundreds of performing and visual artists from up to 15 different countries,
This two hour boat cruise on the Mississippi River showcases New Orlean’s beauty and French Quarter architecture. Make it a lunch date, and add on the optional Creole lunch for a true New Orleans experience. It’s a great way to see a different side of New Orleans and is perfect to add to your Louisiana bucket list.
See the Saints Play in the Superdome
A must-do if the Louisiana Saints are playing a home game, the superdome is the sports and concert arena of New Orleans. Cheer and chant alongside fellow fans, and don’t forget to deck out in black and gold.
Beignets, a square piece of dough, fried and then covered with powdered sugar, are a french delicacy that made its way to Louisiana and stayed, forever embedding itself in the culture (and stomachs) of fellow Louisianians. Ask anyone, and they’ll point you to Cafe Du Monde for the best beignets around. Experiencing the music, the outdoor dining, and the fried goodness of beignets at Cafe Du Monde is something everyone must add to their Louisiana bucket list.
In operation since 1835, the St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest continually operating streetcar line in the world. Aside from being doused in history, the streetcar line is also an exceptionally easy way to navigate the city. They run late, so you can take you time perusing the streets and taking in the sights.
America is known for a lot of things, so it’s no surprise that there is a surplus of weird museums for visitors to see. Mashable shares their favorite “weirdest museums” for all of the road-trippers out there looking to add a little variety to their next adventure.
From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of weird museums to fill your daily itinerary and learn some strange facts about American inventions and obsessions. From a Maple Museum to a Toilet Seat Art Museum, there is something out there from everyone.
Located in Vermont (because where else would an American maple museum be located?), you can learn about maple syrup’s history dating back to the Native Americans and leading up to modern day, a 200 year coverage.
Then you can check out the gift shop and take some delicious syrup back home with you!
If you find yourself in Richmond, Virginia, you won’t want to miss this museum!
Dedicated to all things Poe, this museum is also located in the oldest standing building in the city. You can expect to find a huge collections of manuscripts, letters, memorabilia, and experience a realistic example of how Poe lived and worked.
Address: 1914-16 East Main St., Richmond, Virginia 23223
Admission: $6
3. National Mustard Museum-Weirdest Museum
Love condiments? The mustard museum may be just the place for you! You won’t want to miss this Wisconsin sight.
Here you’ll find more than 5,624 different kinds of mustard from 50 states and 70 countries, you’ll even be able to use a one of a kind mustard vending machine!
4. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum-Weirdest Museum
Yep, you read that right. Barney Smith, a 98 year old proprietor, has a toilet seat art collection he opens to the public every year in Texas.
With over 1,400 decorated toilet seats, Barney makes a new one yearly for his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Somewhat odd, yet somewhat charming.
Fried potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries, hash browns, au gratin – if it’s made with potatoes then they’ve got it.
Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, this museum is for all those potato lovers out there! Learn about the
History of farming potatoes and don’t forget to get a picture with the massive potato replica out front!
Address: 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221
Admission: $3
6. International Banana Museum-Weirdest Museum
Calling all banana lovers! Check out this museum in Mecca, California and see a world-record of 25,000 banana related items and pictures. Don’t forget to try their homemade banana ice cream or milkshakes and then snap a pic with the massive banana statue!
Address: 98775 State Hwy 111, Mecca, California 92254
Most likely the best dinosaur museum in the country, this museum borders the line between awesome and weird. If you find yourself in Colorado, make sure to swing by and check out the animatronic dinosaurs that eat each other, fossil exhibits, and pre-historic records.
Here, you can see the car used in the Batman television series, the DMC DeLorean from Back To The Future, and the paddywagon from Ghostbusters. Make sure you don’t miss the collection of presidential and world leaders limousines and Elvis Presley’s personal car.
On October 16, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a new pathway that will equip college and career-bound high school students with the intent to pursue a career in education with knowledge and skills necessary for success when they graduate, Louisiana Believes shares.
Called the Pre-Educator Pathway, a part of the nationally recognized Jump Start career and education program, high school students will be able to take a unique progression of courses to encourage the development of strong, foundational academic knowledge and skills. In addition, students main acquire around 30-40 hours of practicum experience the help them become familiar with the K-12 teaching environment.
According to the Pre-Educator Pathway Overview, the mission of this pathway is to cultivate highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession.
This pathway is geared for those who are seeking to become an early childhood education teacher, elementary school teacher, middle school education teacher, secondary education teacher, special education teacher, art teacher, foreign language teacher, or computer science teacher.
The statewide credentials that are included in this pathway are CIW Web Security Professional (Advanced), CIW Web Security Associate (Basic), CIW Web Security Specialist (Basic), CompTIA A+ Basic, and CompTIA Security+.
“We are hopeful the newly-approved pathway will elevate the education profession as a career option for our young people. We also hope it builds a pipeline to fulfill the state’s need for diverse, capable, 21st Century educators.” said State Superintendent John White.
The practicum the high school students will experience will be a combination of classroom observation and classroom assistance, and they will develop an understanding of diverse learners and different learning environments.
The Pre-Educator Pathway will help high school students seeking a TOPS University Diploma and those planning on becoming a certified teacher by guiding them towards being accomplished educators throughout all stages of their life. By beginning this pathway in High School, the students who choose this pathway will be catered to passing the Louisiana teacher certification exams and the General Teacher Competencies required by Louisiana for teacher certification.
For students who don’t plan on becoming a certified teacher but intend to enter the education profession, the Pre-Educator Pathway will prepare them to take on alternative roles – like child care worker, substitute teacher, paraprofessional, professional tutor, or school system cyber security analyst.
Amy Weems, an assistant professor in ULM’s School of Education, said, “We are proud to offer this pathway for high school students who have an interest in serving their communities through the teaching profession. This pathway was built through strong partnerships with our local school districts, and we look forward to helping those districts to train their best and brightest high school students who will return to serve future generations. It is the very best example of how ‘grow your own’ initiatives can exponentially improve the quality of education we can offer to our students to better our communities.”
For more education related information, click here.
