Lakeland among nation’s top New Tech schools

Lakeland among nation’s top New Tech schools

Posted: Monday, June 16, 2014 11:00 pm

LAGRANGE — New Tech Network announced Monday Lakeland High School has been selected as a National Demonstration Site in the New Tech Network.

Lakeland’s Leading EDGE program epitomized 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, Tim Presiado.

New Tech Network recently released its 2014 Data Report that showed a high rate of college enrollment evident at New Tech Network schools.

Other results of the study showed graduation rates at New Tech schools are nearly 14 percent higher than the national average. The study also showed enrollment by former New Tech students in college is 9 percent higher than the national average.

To receive the distinction, Lakeland High School is said to have achieved many notable accomplishments. The school had to develop a clear set of student learning outcomes consistent with skills required to succeed in college, career or civic life. These included content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic-collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communication. All courses had to demonstrate rigorous and relevant project-based learning to amplify deeper learning, while at the same time engaging students in the classroom and displaying a deep integration and use of technology in all classrooms.

Finally, Lakeland needed to develop a school culture that established students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility that must be evident throughout the school.