Students may enter classes that require less English, such as mathematics and science, at an earlier stage in their proficiency if their ability levels are appropriate for those classes. In addition, Jefferson has a HILT parent resource professional who provides program, interpretation, translation and other support to parents with limited English proficiency. Two special aspects of Jefferson which enrich students' experiences are the school's exemplary project, Global Investigations, and a host of academic competitions. Global Investigations has students conducting on-going investigations of their world and sharing what they learn with a variety of audiences through a diversity of projects. This is accomplished through traditional curriculum enhanced by the distribution of networked computer technology throughout the school and access to the Internet via a T-1 line.
Computer technology is accessible in every classroom.
In addition, there is a Technology Education computer lab and a probeware equipped lab for science and mathematics. The probeware lab includes probes interfaced with the computers for measuring temperature, pH, pressure and heart rate and Calculator-Based Lab resources through the addition of graphing calculators and probes for remote data collection and analysis. There are approximately 100 networked, Internet access computers and 40 networked computers throughout the school. Students use some of the latest software packages such as Netscape navigator Gold, HyperStudio and PowerPoint for Internet research and creating presentations. Global Investigations has students conducting on-going investigations of their world and sharing what they learn with a variety of audiences.