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Level Up

A student interviews her classmate to find out what people already know about graduation requirements.

There are lots of requirements needed to graduate from high school and they aren’t the same for everyone. What credits do you need? What Regents exams do you need to take? With all of these confusing graduation rules, where do you start?

Students from Stephanie Baker and Mary Ann Keeler’s Field Studies class at Lyons Community School in East Williamsburg worked with CUP teaching artist Max Allbee to clear up what you need for graduation. To investigate, they talked to a guidance counselor, a college and career readiness coordinator, and students in their school. They made a fold-out guide to explain how to get your diploma.

Get your own guide here!

What people are Saying

“This project was very creative. It included a lot of imagination-based things and it was very artsy.” — Tatiyanna John, student

“The final product is so clear and it’s easy to understand.” — Imani Aguilera, student

“The most valuable part of the program was that it was largely independent and students could take ownership of it. They felt more invested in the project because there was more freedom, and they were more engaged than in normal independent work, which means that what they learned from the project ‘stuck’ more.” — Stephanie Baker, Civics teacher

Resources & Links

Lyons Community School is a small school in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, committed to providing a broad, stimulating experience in the liberal arts, and preparing students in grades 6 – 12 for college, healthy adulthood and life-long learning.

Pathways to Graduation provides students with the tools necessary to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma and college and career success.

Funding Support

This project was made possible by the Bay and Paul Foundations, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Special Thanks

Carmen Acosta (Lyons Community School), Jessica Evans, Karim French (Pathways to Graduation), and Abja Minha

education

Participants

CUP
Teaching Artist
Max Allbee

Project Lead
Pema Domingo-Barker

Project Support
Valeria Mogilevich

Lyons Community School
Students
Imani Aguilera, Gustavo Amigon, Idris Amusa, Shydasia Blanding, Quincy Cole, Kimberly Guaneros, Rolman Guzman, Roseny Jaquez, Tatiyanna John, Ronny Luzon, Ryane Martinez, Shamir Morrison, Tasheem Muhammad, Jasmin Pacheco, Edinsson Peña, Gregory Pope, Justino Rodriguez, Shaunice Terrance, Cristian Tolentino, Jonathan Trivino, Tyasia Williams

Classroom Teachers
Stephanie Baker
Mary Ann Keeler

“Level Up” final presentation

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