Evansville Courier & Press
Since opening about seven years ago, New Tech Institute Principal Chris Gibson said students and staff work continuously to grow.
That growth shows in the school recently being named a National Demonstration Site by the New Tech Network. The nonprofit works with about 200 schools nationwide to develop innovative public schools.
New Tech Institute is an Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. high school that focuses on project-based learning. New Tech opened for the 2010-11 school year and celebrated its first graduating class in 2014-15 with 67 students.
Schools named demonstration sites best portray the New Tech mission, according to officials, which is to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in life post-high school.
New Tech Network officials applaud the “significant work” schools need to meet demonstration site criteria, according to New Tech Network President and CEO Lydia Dobyns.
“We consider them exemplary schools within the New Tech Network of nearly 200 schools,” Dobyns said in a statement. “Through the school’s hard work, students are better prepared for life and college, they have also developed a deep love of learning.”
New Tech Institute focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as entrepreneurial leadership.
To earn designation, the school’s culture must put students at the center.
New Tech also had to develop student learning outcomes that include content mastery tied to state standards, work ethic, collaboration, critical thinking, and oral and written communication skills. Courses must engage students and be rigorous and relevant project-based learning. Using technology in all classrooms is also vital.