Published: November 12, 2009 10:47 pm      

Taylor moves forward with tech concept

The school board voted to extend the superintendent’s contract

Taylor High School will be a New Tech high school starting with the fall 2010 semester.

The school board this week approved the school corporation’s application to the Napa, Calif., New Tech Foundation, “which was a momentous event for the future of our school,” Superintendent John Magers said.

He said the next step is to start staff development, to prepare teachers for a new way of teaching.

In a previous meeting, representatives from the New Tech Foundation said a New Tech high school is one that uses technology as a tool, and uses student-directed, project-based learning to teach state content standards. It also focuses on 21st century skills like collaboration, communication skills, problem solving, work ethic, critical thinking and technological literacy.

It requires every student to have access to a computer in every classroom, on a one-to-one ratio. Classes are taught through student-directed projects that require students to use skills included in the state standards, along with communication and teamwork skills. Projects are evaluated by a team of community members.

Magers said the program will be funded with stimulus and state grant money, as well as money from other grants and business partnerships.

He said there would not be a tax increase to fund conversion.

Magers is arranging trips for parents and community members to visit Rochester High School, which is in its third year as a New Tech high school.

In other business, the board voted to extend Magers’ contract, which now runs through June 30, 2012.

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