New Tech school in city's future?

GARY | Members of Gary's business and school communities had a chance to hear a presentation Monday about new ways of learning and teaching.

The chamber of commerce and the community could work together to use "New Tech high schools" to improve high school education, particularly in urban areas, said Nancy Sutton, the school transformation liaison from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis. Sutton addressed the Gary Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon meeting at Dusties Buffet restaurant.

The New Tech model focuses on small classes that allow more teacher interaction, requires one computer per student and uses a project-based approach to learning. While curriculum is based on state academic standards, project assignments span multiple subjects and use new technology skills, such as Web sites and multimedia presentations.

Since its inception in Napa, Calif., in 1999, the New Tech model has expanded to 40 schools in nine states, including six in Indiana. The Center of Excellence for Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis, in partnership with the New Technology Foundation in Napa, helps administer the programs in Indiana.

Sutton said organizations such as chambers of commerce have a stake in what's happening in education because a good educational system spurs economic development.

By 2010, Sutton expects the number of New Tech high schools to increase to as many as 10 or 20.

Lake Ridge Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley, who attended the meeting, said she's interested in the concept but it's expensive.

Indiana University Northwest Chancellor Bruce Bergland, who attended the lunch, said it sounds like a good possibility for public schools.

"We have to work very hard with students who come to us poorly prepared," Bergland said. "If you come to college and you can't read very well, you drop out of school and nobody wants that."

Earlier this year, the Indiana State Board of Education recognized three New Tech high schools with its Spotlight on Learning award. It was presented to Zebra New Tech High in the Rochester Community School Corp., New Tech High at Arsenal in Indianapolis Public Schools and New Tech IDEAS in MSD in Decatur Township.