by James N. Baldwin
District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES
Two recent stories about educational issues were of particular note: “Future hiring linked to skills” (Sept. 6) and “New ideas on tactics for study,” (Sept. 7).
Business leaders, economists and others have warned that we are not educating enough people for jobs in biotechnology, research science, information technology, nanoscience, energy technology and advanced materials. Getting these jobs will require competence in science, technology, engineering and math.
Additionally, employers demand well-developed skills including the capacity to work successfully in teams, communicate effectively, think critically, attain goals and present and defend your work.
We began addressing this several years ago by developing Tech Valley High School, a joint venture of Questar III and Capital Region BOCES. Students learn in a technology-rich, interdisciplinary, project-based environment and are assessed on skill development and academic achievement. The first class will graduate next June.
The Sept. 7 story describes how research is debunking myths about what we thought were “good study habits,” in favor of more active, applied and integrated approaches to teaching and learning like those happening at Tech Valley High.
While some are still talking about 21st-century schools, boards of education and superintendents sending students to Tech Valley High (and learning about how to better engage students through effective use of technology and project-based learning) have created a means to meet the challenges of preparing all students for college, work and life in the next decade. We should recognize their leadership and courage.
Published September 14, 2010, Times Union
