Today’s youth—connected to iPods, game systems, and cell phones—often wear more technology than some adults will use in a day. They have global connections through MySpace and Facebook, know computer programs to mix music and make movies, and are fluent in the language of text messaging. However, despite their advanced abilities, these children often spend their days disengaged and disinterested in today’s traditional high school classrooms.
However, through the implementation of innovative new school designs, the traditional idea of high schooling is changing for hundreds of students throughout Indiana. The University of Indianapolis through the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning is leading the work of transforming education statewide and has become Indiana’s hub for educational innovations and improvements. Through funding from the National Governors Association and grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CELL is bringing the Early College and New Technology High School models to several Indiana high schools and is leading two statewide support networks for these new school designs.
Early College High Schools allow students to earn up to two years of college credit while in high school. Catering to first-generation college bound students often coming from economically disadvantaged families, Early College High Schools help increase graduation rates and make college an option for all students. Through CELL’s support and guidance, 16 Early College High Schools are open or under development in Indiana with 12 universities working as partners. “Early College helps students succeed in high school by providing rigorous learning experiences, motivating students to work hard and meet challenges, and connecting them to higher education,” said David Dresslar, CELL senior fellow.
The New Technology High School model uses a technology-rich school design focused on project-based learning. Each New Technology High School student has a personal computer with the latest software. Small class sizes and personal relationships with instructors create an environment in which students have responsibility for their own learning. Through in-depth, real world educational experiences, students graduate with the skills and knowledge for success in college and the 21st-century workplace. CELL helped open Indiana’s first three New Technology High Schools in August and an additional three schools are scheduled to open in 2008.
To support and strengthen these schools, CELL is leading the Indiana Early College and New Technology High School Networks. Indiana is uniquely positioned as one of only a few states in the country supporting model school development through statewide networks. The Indiana networks bring schools together to support one other, address common issues and work toward collective goals. CELL provides model school site visits, professional development, school coaching, and technical assistance to network member schools. “These networks provide the resources and opportunities to transform schools in innovative ways to improve education for all students,” said CELL Senior Fellow Nancy Sutton.
To engage today’s students, schools are becoming more like the latest, greatest technology gadget—fun, useful and interesting. Early College and New Technology High Schools are providing exciting educational opportunities to keep students as connected to school as they are to technology. Focused on educational excellence, the University of Indianapolis through CELL is the catalyst making these connections a reality.
CELL upcoming events
June 10, 2008
New Tech Leadership Meeting
September 11, 2008
Indiana New Tech High School Network Meeting
September 18, 2008
Indiana Early College High School Network Meeting
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