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Chaminade College Preparatory Middle School
As a middle school computer science teacher, Patti Grammatis says Microsoft® Office Specialist certification has been a tremendous motivation for her 8th grade students. She remarks, "Rather than just learning word processing, Microsoft Office certification has helped them focus their attention on an international industry-recognized certification."
The first year Patti had to actually round up kids on the playground to sign up for the Microsoft Office certification class, but now the preparation course is filled to capacity. "Word has gotten out that certification is fun... they see the tangible rewards in addition to the knowledge learned." After the certification exam students are treated to a fun group field trip to celebrate their success together.
Sarah Beth M. summed up her certification experience this way, "First, we get the opportunity to be certified so we won't have to work flipping burgers. Next, we get to go bowling and enjoy a delicious meal. What more could we want?"
Chaminade, located in Chatsworth, California, has distinguished itself as a leader in the technology field for middle schools. They offer training and certification in Microsoft Word 2000 and have just recently established themselves as a Certiport Center. From the very onset of the certification testing, Chaminade has had a 95% pass rate! A feat for which even the most prestigious Center would love to boast!
Patti says parents are amazed that a middle school has the vision and expertise to implement such a remarkable program for their students. "We are so blessed to offer this opportunity to our students. Their success is reward beyond words," Patti said.
Students learn to enhance document layout through creating columns and graphics, adding headers and footers, creating tables of content, and much more.
The students have been challenged beyond what they thought possible, and as one student said, "I think this experience will help me take more chances in the future." No educator could ask for more!
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