New Tech Schools (located within Lincoln, Central and McDowell schools) incorporate project-based learning to embed 21st Century Knowledge and Skills through 8 learning outcomes: content standards, collaboration, critical thinking, oral communication, written communication, career preparation, citizenship and ethics, and technology literacy.

This is a new educational pathway for students who need to see clear relevance and real world applications in their studies. It is also a pathway for those students who learn best in an interpersonal learning style that stresses working collaboratively with other students and their teachers. It is also designed for students who may be able to demonstrate what they have learned and what they can do in a manner other than a standard pencil and paper exam.

So the problem we are trying to solve is the lack of meaningful academic engagement from students who have disconnected from the traditional curricular, instructional and assessment practices that are often found in our classrooms today. We hope to address the problem by being able to provide various learning pathways for students since the current traditional model that is more of a one-size-fits-all model does not connect to all students. New Tech is also a learning pathway that stresses what current research has identified as critical knowledge and skills for life in the 21st century and alternative ways to measure that knowledge and skill base. 

The backbone of NTHS's unique learning environment is Project-Based Learning. Instead of handing out daily assignments, teachers assign periodic projects with different components. Components may include a written essay and a digital project such as a website, PowerPoint presentation, or photo essay. Finally, students are asked to present their work orally to their classmates. Students work on these projects either individually, with a partner, or in a group.

The due dates for these projects are sometimes deceptively far away, forcing students to develop time management skills. At first, procrastination is the name of the game, but students quickly learn that if they want to succeed, they need to spread the project out over a period of time.

• Download a presentation about how New Tech is being implemented in Columbus (268 KB)

• Download a presentation about the New Tech Learning System (4.21 MB)