Our Mission: The Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, in partnership with the business community and local universities, is devoted to providing a challenging, rigorous learning environment in which academically capable students will pursue advanced studies with an emphasis on science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy is a unique public school offering a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing the sciences, mathematics, and technology. Taylor exists to provide an environment of academic rigor within a school culture of respect and responsibility. These commitments and goals are expressed in school-wide learning outcomes (SWLO), a set of goals for learning valued by all members of the academic community. Academic rigor requires both student and parent commitment to intellectual curiosity through critical thinking. A school culture of respect acknowledges the importance and value of each individual within our school community. Responsibility necessitates that each student participate fully in the school culture and curriculum designed to accomplish school-wide learning outcomes.
Students are offered an ambitious and rigorous course of study grounded in Louisiana grade level expectations (GLEs) and further developed by the Jefferson Parish Honors requirements. In addition, Taylor's course of study offers students the opportunity to develop special interests and talents in science, math and technology. Only the core academic subjects are given Honors credit. These courses are designed to foster higher order thinking. Eighth grade students are provided the opportunity to earn Carnegie units to allow for acceleration, enabling students to enroll in advanced placement classes or college level classes before high school graduation.
Honors credit in any subject is forfeited when the student fails to meet the district honors requirements. Honors credit is issued at the end of course after all honors requirements are met.
Project-Based Learning
Taylor's curriculum focuses on delivering content through project-based learning to prepare students for the 21st century workplace. The framework of project-based learning begins by hooking students in the exploration of content derived from grade level expectations, focusing on relevant local and global issues. Students produce products that are assessed by rubrics aligned to school-wide learning outcomes. Rubrics consist of three levels of achievement: unsatisfactory (below performance standards), proficient (minimal criteria), advanced (demonstrates exceptional performance). Optional individual assignments designed to augment a student's grade are offered at the discretion of each teacher based on two criteria: (1) student has attempted all assignments to date; (2) student demonstrates a commitment to rigorous work. These assignments are a response to teachers' efforts to identify students who need additional help in content areas.
School-Wide Learning Outcomes
Content: This category reflects the student's mastery of course content standards as derived from the Louisiana grade level expectations and/or technology standards.
Written Communication: This category applies to the student's written task focus, detail elaboration set by task/prompt, written mechanics, spelling, and grammar skills in all assignments.
Work Ethic: This category applies to the student's ability to be prepared to work each day, arrive on time to class, stay focused on the task, follow directions, and meet all deadlines set.
Collaboration: This category applies to the student's ability to play an active role in getting tasks organized and completed, demonstrate a willingness to help others, and create a positive work environment.
Critical Thinking: This category applies to the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in a logical and meaningful manner.
Technological Proficiency:This category applies to the student's ability to effectively use technology to complete projects set forth by the teacher.
Oral Communication: This category applies to the student's ability to communicate effectively during presentations, including such aspects as eye contact, awareness of audience and posture.