NECC: Elements of a Student-Centered High School Learning Environment
This presentation focused on how the Model Secondary Schools Program worked with urban school design teams on the formation and development of eight new small high schools in low income urban areas. Students from Tech Boston Academy spoke about their school and how it has been transformed into a small, student-centered, technology-rich, successful environement. Their stories were powerful.
All 8 similar schools around the country have these goals:
*real world learning opportunities through project based learning and internships
*technology is a tool for creating and communicating
*collaboration with others locally, nationally and internationally
*a highly personalized education is provided
*learning is extended beyond the classroom through the use of time, technology and community resources
*strong, caring relationships with influential adults
TBA is obviously a pretty special place. One of the words spoken frequently thoughout the presentation was culture. Compared to other schools in Boston, TBA has developed a culture of caring. These kids wanted to go to school, and wanted to learn because they felt it was a safe and supportive environment. As with many of the presentations, the theme here wasn’t only technology, but the learning that technology use makes possible.