The James Logan Courier

By Beatrice Esteban, Courier Staff Writer

Logan Photography Teacher Elba Rios' Digital Photography 1 class has been approved for credit at the University of California and California State University for the 2009-2010 school year, an achievement that won her praise from the Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program's administration.

Digital Photography is a class offered under The California Association of Regional Occupation Centers and Programs, or ROP. ROP is an organization that provides career education and development for students over the age of sixteen, to help supplement academic success. Students under the ROP program are offered occupational training to prepare them for the workforce. There are 72 ROP centers and programs across California, and Logan is one of those centers as a member school of the Mission Valley ROP.

Digital Photography class is offered at the James Logan High School location for two semesters: Digital Photography 1 and Digital Photography 2. However, one ROP class takes up two class periods, so an entire year of Digital Photography yields 20 total credits towards graduation. According to Logan’s course catalog, students are taught such skills as: Adobe Photoshop, lighting, set design, studio configuration, field issues, camera operation, software interfaces, and color management.

The University of California and California State University programs use a different form of calculating students’ grade point averages (GPA) for admission. These requirements, known as the “A-G Subject Requirements,” are used to ensure that freshmen at the universities are able to fully participate in the wide range of studies available.

One of these requirements is the Visual and Performing Arts or “F” requirement, described as “a single yearlong approved arts course from a single Visual and Performing Arts discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.” Digital Photography has been approved for credit in this category, ensuring that the program is indeed sufficient in helping students gain skills in photography/editing and utilizing them in the workforce.

"We thank Elba for her efforts in providing this academically rigorous and applicable education and training assisting students with their University of California admissions eligibility," wrote Shelley Adams, Director of Educational Services for the Mission Valley ROP.

Students interested in taking Digital Photography should speak with Rios in room 89, in the carpeted hallway next to the Reference Room.