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!

Board Goals

We have great programs at Whitko. Sometimes it seems they are not tied together well and not publicized well. The Board recognizes this and want to do better at planning and promoting. As you look at the Board Goals what other things should we include in the goals? What should we be very specific about? Any other opinions related to these goals that you want to share would be great!

Goal on Instructional Plan
Recognizing our responsibility to educate the future leaders of our society, by January 15, 2010, Whitko Community Schools will adopt a five year development plan to address the needs of our instructional program in a changing society. The plan will address fulfilling our mission of delivering a differentiated curriculum to our students. Some components of the plan will include development or advancement of:
· Student preparation in 21st Century Skills;
· STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) integration;
· Vocational Education Expansion
· Dropout prevention – credit recovery
· Alternative educational opportunities
· High Ability Programming
· Further development of RtI (Response to Intervention);
· Programming for Special Needs students;
· Increased AP and post secondary opportunities.
All components will be based on “best practice” and the most current research.

Goal on Communication
To continue our focus on promoting Whitko Community Schools, we will further the implementation of the communication plan that was adopted January 1, 2009. This year’s focus will include:
· Continuation of components of the plan already in place;
· Increased external communication with a focus on sharing our story;
· A larger web presence;
· Developing true business partnerships;
· Increased student input and feedback; and
· Reaching those patrons without current students.

Add your thoughts and ideas.