New Tech Network hosts members from national education forum
for informative school tour spotlighting innovative approach
to teaching and learning
Luling, LA, December 15, 2016 – The Hewlett Deeper Learning Consortium visited St Charles Satellite Center, a school within the New Tech Network, on Monday, December 12th and Tuesday, December 13th. The tours provided an opportunity for members to observe the highly innovative project-based learning methodology at a school that focuses on deeper learning for all students.
Attendees were able to take a deep dive into the Satellite Center where the school mission is to create exciting learning experiences that tests the boundaries of traditional classrooms and to prepare youth for the world in which they will live and work.
“From the moment I walked in the door, I could tell that the educators—and students—at St Charles knew what they were trying to achieve, namely that all students graduate prepared to succeed in college and the workplace. New Tech’s ‘deeper learning’ approach might be new to some, but it is what highly effective educators have always provided: the deep content knowledge students need to succeed after high school and the critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills that today’s jobs demand,” said CEO and President of New Tech Network Lydia Dobyns.
William Burns, Director of Community Advancement for the Community Growth Education Foundation was impressed with the high level of personalization. “There is student voice, choice and freedom at the Satellite Center, and there’s a professional environment that is very different than other high schools.”
More than 500 schools around the country are currently implementing deeper learning. They are proof points—examples that show deeper learning can improve student outcomes. New Tech Network schools are getting results by creating dynamic learning environments that enable students to develop a deep understanding of core content and can use that knowledge to solve problems, think critically, communicate effectively, and be self-reflective about their learning.
St Charles Satellite Center opened in 2005 and focuses on career paths that are projected to expand the most over the next decade. The concept of this center arose fro
m the numerous meetings, focus groups and site visits to progressive school districts across the nation. Local business owners, community leaders, educators, representatives from Fortune 500 companies and expert advisors focused on one goal – to build a learning center that prepares team members for the real world.
Group members were able to explore 7 of the 10 career programs offered at the Satellite Center, including Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism (HRT) Administration, where students shared the need for collaboration in completing complex project tasks for clients.
“We work with teachers and principals in all our schools to ensure each student graduates college and career ready having developed the skills needed to succeed after high school,” said Dobyns. “Teachers in NTN schools develop projects aligned with state standards while also providing in-depth, relevant and rigorous learning experiences,” Dobyns continued.
Lasca Anderson, Principal at St. Charles Satellite Center, participated in a leadership panel along with her Parish Superintendent and two founding staff members. Anderson elaborated on the use of wall-to-wall project-based learning at the school.
“Teaching at St Charles looks very different from a traditional classroom. Teachers become facilitator’s rather than the sole source of knowledge, and, as a result, our team members become self-directed learners,” noted Anderson.
First introduced in Napa, California in 1996, the New Tech model has proven successful across diverse student populations in urban, rural, and suburban public schools. New Tech is emerging as one of the fastest-growing approaches to transforming education in the U.S. For a full list of New Tech schools, visit our website at:
http://www.newtechnetwork.org/newtech_schools
View the St Charles infographic
Or download the St Charles cards below for a glimpse into deep and authentic projects:
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New Tech Network
New Tech Network, a national non-profit organization, is a leading design partner for comprehensive school change. We work closely with districts and schools to create innovative learning environments. Through a proven school model, a project-based learning platform, and powerful professional development, we coach schools toward lasting change and ongoing improvement.
There are nearly 200 schools in 28 states and Australia in the New Tech Network. Visit a school today!
http://www.newtechnetwork.org/engage/tours