EVSC’s New Tech Institute Named National Demonstration Site

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s newest high school, New Tech Institute, was selected as a National Demonstration Site by the New Tech Network (NTN), a non-profit that works nationwide with schools to develop innovative public schools. Demonstration sites epitomize the best example of the New Tech mission – to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow.

“These schools have achieved a very high honor.  We consider them exemplary schools within the New Tech Network. They have shown enormous dedication to the key aspects that makes a great New Tech school as is evidenced by the students. Through the schools hard work, students are not only better prepared for life and college, they have achieved a deep love of learning and a fundamental understanding of the deeper learning skills needed to succeed in life after high school,” said NTN President and CEO, Lydia Dobyns.

In order to be named a Demonstration Site, NTI had to develop a clear set of student learning outcomes consistent with skills required to succeed in college, career or civic life. These include content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic/collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communication. All courses at the Demonstration Sites must demonstrate rigorous and relevant Project-Based Learning (PBL) to amplify deeper learning while engaging students in the classroom. The deep integration and use of technology must be present in all classrooms. Finally, a school culture that establishes students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility must be evident throughout the school.

“We are very grateful to our students and staff for their hard work every day, and to the EVSC and New Tech Network for their continuing support,” said New Tech Institute Principal Chris Gibson. “We strive each day to put our mission into action: to provide students with relevant project-based learning in an atmosphere of trust, respect and responsibility. We have worked together as a collaborative team to improve our practice continually, and this recognition helps reaffirm our efforts to provide our students a relevant 21^st century education.”

As a Demonstration Site, New Tech will play a key role in the development and scale of the New Tech Network. NTI will host tours for national, state and local school districts interested in learning more about project-based learning and the integration of technology.

New Tech Institute opened in Fall 2010 with its first class of freshmen and last year, had its first official graduating class. Individuals interested in learning more about NTI can visit www.evscschools.com/newtech.