State Board of Education honors New Tech success
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Media Contact:
Cam Savage, Communications Director
317-232-6615, csavage@doe.in.gov
(Indianapolis) – The State Board of Education recognized three New Tech high schools from around the state today at their monthly meeting, continuing a program instituted by new State Superintendent Tony Bennett last month to highlight exceptional educators and education programs.
The “Spotlight on Learning” award was presented at the March state board meeting to Zebra New Tech High (Rochester Community School Corporation), New Tech High at Arsenal (Indianapolis Public Schools) and New Tech IDEAS (MSD Decatur Township).
“These schools provide an outstanding service to their children and to their communities by embracing a teaching method that challenges the traditional bounds of education while delivering increased student achievement,” said Bennett.
The New Tech model focuses on small classes that provide for more teacher interaction, requires one computer per student, and utilizes a project-based approach to learning. While curriculum is based on state academic standards, project assignments span multiple subjects and incorporate new technology skills, such as websites and multimedia presentations.
“As the state moves to diversify and expand the learning opportunities available to our students, the New Tech concept is high on our priority list as a proven alternative approach,” said Bennett. “Project-based learning is a creative approach to teaching to the academic standards while giving our students valuable skills that are essential in a 21st century economy.”
Since its inception in Napa, California in 1999, the New Tech model has expanded to 40 schools in nine states, including six in Indiana. The Center of Excellence for Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis, in partnership with the New Technology Foundation in Napa, helps administer the programs in Indiana.
