Local Napa STEM Elementary School is cited as exemplary
in the New Tech Network
Napa, CA, December 8, 2016– New Tech Network (NTN) announced today that Napa Junction Magnet School was selected as a National Demonstration Site. Napa Junction has demonstrated successful implementation of the New Tech school model so that students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow.
“We applaud the significant work necessary for schools to meet the demonstration site criteria. We consider them exemplary schools within the New Tech Network of nearly 200 schools. Through the school’s hard work, students are better prepared for life and college, they have also developed a deep love of learning,” said NTN President and CEO, Lydia Dobyns.
To receive this prestigious distinction, Napa Junction Magent demonstrated many notable accomplishments. The school had to develop a clear set of student learning outcomes consistent with skills required to succeed in college, career or civic life. These include content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic/collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communication. All courses demonstrated rigorous and relevant Project-Based Learning (PBL) to amplify deeper learning while engaging students in the classroom. The deep integration and use of technology is present in all classrooms. Finally, a school culture that establishes students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility must be evident throughout the school.
It is the mission of Napa Junction Magnet School to foster social and emotional growth, 21st-century skill development, and academic progress within a STEM focused curriculum. Napa Junction was judged
and scored on the demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance our STEM magnet theme.
“We were challenged with a new way to re-imagine teaching and learning that engaged students while addressing the varied needs of our diverse population. This past year, we have seen amazing examples of student success with evidence in increased test scoring as high as 17% across all English Language Learners,” said Principal Donna Drago.
Principal Donna Drago and NJ Student
Demonstration site schools play a key role in showcasing the New Tech model in action by opening their campus to other communities. Napa Junction will host tours for national, state and local schools and districts to experience a New Tech school firsthand. Visitors will take part in student-led tours to learn about the fundamentals of the school, including project-based learning examples, integrated use of technology and the culture shift that is integral to every New Tech. Last year, NTN schools hosted thousands of visitors across the country. In addition to tours, demonstration sites play an important role in hosting New Tech training events. These trainings often provide an authentic immersion experience for teachers and administrators as new districts and communities prepare to open and teach in their own schools.
New Tech Network recently released its 2016 Outcomes Report showing strong success among four key findings:.
New Tech Network Students:
- ● Graduate from high school at a rate 9% greater than the national average.
- ● New Tech students grow 61% more in higher order thinking skills between freshman and senior years than comparison group.
- ● Attend college at 70%
- ● Persist in college in 4-year colleges at a rate of 92% and in 2-year colleges at a rate 72% over the past five years.
Napa Valley Unifed Superintedent Patrick Sweeney was appreciative of the special designation.
“Thank you to New Tech Network for recognizing Napa Junction Magnet School as a National Demonstration Site. The commitment by the staff and families to support early literacy and deeper, more relevant learning opportunities is very much appreciated by our school Board. Our students are fortunate to learn real world skills,” said Sweeney.
With a growing network, a proven model, and a demand for more district-level support, NTN is a catalyst for rapid innovation, improvement and scale. Public school districts are now turning to NTN to support the spread of innovative practices across multiple schools at all grade levels.
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Learn more about Napa Junction in this school spotlight.
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.
http://www.newtechnetwork.org/engage/tours