TechPoint Foundation

Our Future Starts Here. Our Future Starts Now.

Nate — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:23:00 +0000

Across the country, there is a refreshing and growing movement to improve America’s high schools. The reason is straightforward: there has been little or no consideration given to the results that matter for today’s high school graduates. Creating high schools that truly will improve learning, achievement and competencies demands a clear understanding of the knowledge, skills and attributes that are increasingly important for every high school student today.

The Case for 21st Century Skills

In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is not enough for students to acquire a mastery of core-subjects alone. Skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication and analytical thinking are necessary for all levels of success, from entry-level jobs to engineering and technical fields. However, the U.S. K-12 education system as a whole does not yet teach and measure these skills directly.

Traditional metrics are important, but they are no longer sufficient indicators of student preparedness. There is broad agreement that for many students, high schools are not working and need to be overhauled.

Sobering Statistics

Eighty-four percent of employers say K-12 schools are not doing a good job of preparing students for the workplace; 55 percent say schools are deficient in preparing students with basic employability skills (such as attendance, timeliness and work ethic); 51 percent cite math and science deficiencies; and 38 percent cite reading and comprehension deficiencies.
A very small percentage of 4^th and 8^th grade US students (less than 30%) perform at a proficient level in math, while up to 20% lack the competence to perform even basic mathematical computations.
U.S. students are falling behind their peers internationally. We can no longer claim that we are unparalleled. Students around the world outperform American students on assessments that measure 21st century skills.
U.S. innovation is falling behind. Innovation and creativity no longer set US education apart. Innovators around the world rival Americans in breakthroughs that fuel economic competitiveness.
Workplace jobs and skill demands are not being satisfied. Leading high tech employers routinely lament the lack of a skilled workforce that is required in today’s jobs, and are alarmed by the prospect of filling the jobs of tomorrow.

Real Projects. Real World. Real Learning.

Nate — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:43:15 +0000

Over the last several years, school and community leaders across Indiana have chosen the New Tech High national model to provide educational change and 21st Century Learning. Three Indiana New Tech High Schools opened this August, with more planned for next year.

The New Tech High Indiana Network is a unique partnership of community, higher education and business organizations that have come together to support Indiana’s current and potential New Tech High Schools. New Tech students learn 21st Century Knowledge and Skills, are assessed on these skills, and master them for graduation. They do this through classes that are project-based and integrated. At New Tech, it’s “Real Projects. Real World. Real Learning.”

The Bridge Builder

Nate — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:42:24 +0000

The Bridge Builder Award was created in 2002 to recognize meritorious service in providing technology access and computer education opportunities to Indiana residents regardless of economic status, race or gender.

The Bridge Builder Award is given annually to the individual, program or organization that has demonstrated, above and beyond the call of duty, a sustained ability to:

* Provide technology access to the technologically underprivileged.
* Educate the technologically underprivileged in using technology.
* Serve as a symbol of philanthropic activism in the effort to bridge the digital divide in Indiana.

The TechPoint Foundation will make a $1,000 grant to a youth-serving charity designated by this year’s Bridge Builder Award recipient, in honor of their service to the community.