New Tech High

In case you’ve missed the news there is a lot of talk about developing a New Tech High School in Whitley County. The news coverage has been about where to locate the facility and how it would be funded. The news also seems to think only Whitley Consolidated students would go there. Truth is this is a county wide effort and Whitko, Smith Green and Whitley Consolidated would all play a part in this effort. Groups like Tops 2015 and Orthoworks have been promoting the need for differently trained students to help our community remain vital in their economic stability. They are clearly behind the training that would be New Tech like.
We have been talking about the need for a variety of opportunities for our students. New Tech like vocational education is just another such opportunity. The basics of New Tech include: Relationships Problem Based Learning, 21st Century Skills, Interdisciplinary course structures, a focus area like STEM, and yes, technology as a learning tool.
I recently visited Columbus Indiana and reviewed their Signature Academy (http://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/csant/site/default.asp) . I was very impressed with the students, facility and the outcomes I saw in the learning process. One of my most focused concerns is student engagement. In my teaching career and in my administrative career I have constantly been challenged by students not reaching their full potential and the apparent lack of motivation. I have heard the same from many of you. New Tech is one way that some of our students will be more engaged. It is not for everyone but check out the links above and see what everyone is talking about!