Agenda

1. Agenda • Welcome (Paul Buck) • Early College and New Tech channels • Early College and New Tech applications (due February 1st) • Early College and New Tech similarities and differences chart • Introduction to Early College (Sandy Hillman) • Introduction to New Tech (Paul) • Break/movement • Session I: more information and Q & A [optional] • Early College (Sandy) • New Tech (Paul) • Break/movement • Session II: more information and Q & A [optional] • Early College (Sandy) • New Tech (Paul)

2. NewTech! Opening:2010 Location: CGHS Grades:9-10 Students:200-240

3. Student Quote “If someone asks, I tell them that my school makes sense. The projects relate to the real world, so I never have to ask ‘why am I learning this?’ It’s challenging but in a good way. The way we integrate technology and presentations gives us skills we will use forever. Our school really prepares us for what comes next.”

4. So, what’s it all about? • Teaching that engages: PBL and other good teaching • Culture that empowers: “trust, respect, and responsibility” • Technology that enables: cutting-edge technology as a tool

5. Project Structure • you’ll be given an entry event (often a document) • provides a problem that an organization needs solved • explains the role you’ll play in helping the organization to solve the problem • groups are formed and you’ll write a contract • from the entry event,you’ll construct a Know/Need-to-Know list • your teachers will help you learn the information and skills needed for your group to successfully complete its project • projects end with presentations (for example, PPTs, videos, websites, performances, etc.)

6. Student Quotes “At New Tech we learn to collaborate with people even if we don’t like them because in the real world we’re not going to like everyone we have to work with.” “I feel now I want to do my homework, not that I have to do my homework.” “I feel like there’s a reason we’re learning. We’re not just studying for a test.”

7. Teacher Quote "Sometimes, people worry that in a group setting, kids will fall through the cracks. I see the opposite of that happening. The kids in these groups watch out for each other. They make sure that they're pulling their weight.”

8. Teacher Quote "I just love the fact that the kids seem to be more engaged, more active learners. They really find learning fun.”

9. Superintendent Quote "One thing our students will say is we don't have to ask why.  We understand why we have to understand skills and concepts in order to do this project properly. That is the big difference you will see.”

10. District Spokesperson “The students that go through New Tech will graduate essentially going through school in a real work environment.”

11. “a 21st century learning environment”

12. Lobby

13. Hallway

14. Integrated Learning Studio

15. Internet Café

16. 9th Grade Classes • English 9* • Biology* • Geography and History of the World* • Algebra I (or passport out) • Keystone integrated with Computer Applications • Speech or P.E. I (passport out) [switch at semester] • Directed Study Hall or Elective (passport out) • Elective (passport out) *Can be taken for weighted grade/Honors designation

17. 10thGrade Classes • English 10* • Science (course tba)* • Chemistry* • Algebra II (or passport out) • Computer Applications: Advanced integrated with Personal Finance • Current Problems, Issues, and Events or Health & Wellness [switch at semester] • Directed Study Hall or Elective (passport out) • Elective (passport out) *Can be taken for weighted grade/Honors designation note: New Tech students are still required to take P.E. II.

18. “Non-traditional” Graduation Requirements • EpsilenePortfolio and ePortfolio presentation • Four College Courses (dual credit, ACP, AP) • Community Service Project • Internship

19. Are you… • open-minded and ready for a challenge? • interested in a small community where everyone knows each other and people are valued for their contributions? • interested in the world around you and in the emerging global community? • willing to serve the local community? • prepared to use computers every day for communicating, doing research, completing assignments, and creating presentations?

20. Are you… • ready to take responsibility for your own learning and the learning of others? • ready to learn by doing and interested in real-life learning experiences? • flexible and prepared to work with other students, teachers, community members, business leaders, colleges, universities, and the community? • prepared to be "under the microscope" with frequent visits by the many people interested in New Tech?

21. FAQ’s • Will I ever see my other friends? • Can I still play sports or work on the Yearbook? • Can I earn an Indiana Academic Honors Diploma? • Will this make me ready for college? • What if I don’t like it?

22. How will New Tech be different? • a 21st century learning environment with more cutting-edge technology • more Problem and Project Based Learning (PBL) • focus on a professional culture of trust, respect, and responsibility • more vertical and horizontal course integrations • “non-traditional” graduation requirements

23. SessionI/IITopics • staff professional development • “a different kind of report card” • measuring effectiveness • traditional metrics • SSR • fidelity to the model • sustainability • student achievement