Senior Corner: Learning about today’s new tech schools

December 27, 2010

I’m extremely excited about a subject that’s brand-new to me: “student-centered 21st-century cchools” (SC21).

I recently met with a good friend, Bob Fioretti, who was one of my leaders at Leadership Napa Valley.

As we chatted, I asked Bob what exciting things he was involved in at the moment. (He recently wrote a wonderful new book along with Stephen Covey, Brian Tracy and Ken Blanchard entitled, “Discover Your Inner Strength.” An excellent read that I highly recommend.)

As we were reminiscing about how life-changing LNV is, Bob shared that after five years he was no longer involved with the day-to-day program at LNV and that he was giving back to the community with something he feels equally passionately about; education and making a difference in young peoples’ lives.

As Bob shared about this amazing new program of student-centered 21st-century education, my curiosity was piqued, to say the least. I wanted to know more about this system and to share this newfound knowledge with you.

Bob introduced me to the lovely Dorothy Lind-Salmon, a NapaLearns board member who has been a huge supporter of student-centered learning and teaching for many years.

I asked Dorothy if she would please enlighten us and she graciously complied.

Thank you, Bob and Dorothy.

Following is Dorothy’s story of her involvement, and a brief introduction to this exciting program.

“See for yourself what today’s Napa high schools are really like.

“Whether you remember your high school years fondly or not so fondly, today’s 21st-century high schools look, sound and feel nothing like high schools did 40 or more years ago. When I hear folks say they are worried about our schools and today’s students, I ask when they last visited a school. For everyone concerned about the future, take the time to tour our remarkable Napa high schools. I think that you will likely come away, as I do, thinking that today’s engaged students are going to do just fine creating tomorrow’s world.