Published: September 10, 2009 11:17 pm      

Taylor considers new tech model

Program would be implemented over several years

By taking advantage of a group discount, state grants and possibly federal stimulus money, Taylor High School could be converted into a new tech school at little to no cost to the school corporation.

That was the news from David Dresslar, executive director of the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning, at Wednesday’s school board meeting.

Superintendent John Magers said he began exploring the concept last year, as part of a study of how to improve the school corporation.

Dresslar said the center, based at University of Indianapolis, is the contact for the New Technology Network in Indiana. The New Technology Network, a non-profit organization in Napa, Calif., created the new tech high school model and is now expanding it.

Indiana is being used as a model for how to expand in other states, he said, and Gov. Mitch Daniels is a fan of the concept.

Dresslar said there are eight new tech schools in Indiana so far, including in Rochester, Decatur Township, Bloomington, Columbus, Daviess County and the Indianapolis Public Schools.

Some of the larger schools have separate new tech schools, while others convert their entire high school to the new tech concept. Dresslar said with Taylor’s student population, officials would want to do a whole school conversion.

He said most schools implement the system over a few years, starting with the freshmen and sophomores and adding a year at a time.

The first class of new tech high school graduates will complete their course work this year, he said.

Dresslar said while research is just beginning on academic achievement of the Indiana students, it has been shown that “attendance rates shoot up and discipline [issues] shoot down” within weeks of implementing the new tech concept.

“That’s a phenomenon that’s been seen throughout the nation,” he said.

The core principals of a new tech high school are a small student population, focus on 21st century skills like teamwork and public speaking within the content areas, student-centered, project-based learning to increase relevance and rigor, and promote a culture of respect and responsibility.

It also includes requirements for a digital portfolio, community service and dual credit classes, he said.

As part of the New Technology Network, he said, the schools have access to a project library, teacher training and technology tools.

He added, though, that new tech is not cheap.

“It means districts have to have some skin in the game.” The money covers costs for research and development of the program and training, including a coach available for the first three years.

Initial cost is about $450,000, paid over a three-year period. However, a volume discount brings that down to between $385,000 and $345,000. The state has grant money available for schools starting in the program, bringing cost down to about $260,000 over three years.

He said the state also has applied for federal stimulus money for the program.

Dresslar said if the state receives the stimulus money, it would cover Taylor’s costs to start the program and also provide money to do any needed building renovations or technology purchases.

“You may be in a position when you can do this without a huge investment, and get a huge benefit,” he said.

Magers said he’s visited several new tech high schools, including in Napa, Calif., and he was impressed with the students in the schools.

“They were confident, they were poised and they were engaged,” he said.

Magers said he would bring back a plan to present the new tech concept to the community at the board’s Oct. 14 meeting.

• Danielle Rush is the Kokomo Tribune education reporter. She can be reached at (765) 454-8585 or danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com.