What are the results
of learning at TVHS?
Content literacy:
Students master the content of subjects as required
by New York State. They also understand the interconnections between
the
disciplines they study.
Information literacy:
Students find, gather and evaluate information from diverse sources,
including publications, Web sites, interviews, data, works of art
and other media. They also learn to differentiate between reliable
and misleading sources.
Technology literacy:
Students become technology literate by designing, using and
evaluating technology. They integrate technology seamlessly into
their learning, and they develop an awareness and understanding of
the region's emerging technologies.
Critical thinking: Students develop
and use critical- and systems-thinking skills to solve problems.
When they are confronted with real-life projects and challenges,
they pose questions, understand and apply concepts, and develop
solutions
Collaboration: To complete their
projects, students collaborate with each other and community
partners. They take part in group discussions, support their peers,
learn to communicate effectively and demonstrate interpersonal
skills. They also make productive contributions to the team and
understand and demonstrate respect for peers and community partners,
Innovation: Students generate new
ideas when they address "real world" problems, demonstrate the
entrepreneurial values of creativity and curiosity, take
intellectual risks and are continually adapting.
Communication: Students express
ideas and views and communicate with reason and confidence. They
present and defend their work orally, graphically and in writing.
They exchange ideas and information through effective dialogue with
classmates, faculty, parents and community partners.
Citizenship: Students demonstrate
an understanding of the interdependent global community and learn
cross-cultural skills, including proficiency in non-English
languages, awareness of other cultures and experience working with
people from diverse backgrounds. They also understand the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship, including an ethically based sense
of social responsibility. In addition, they understand social,
political, economic and environmental context and implications of
civic decisions.
Work ethic & self-direction:
Students are self-directed lifelong learners, accountable for their
choices and responsible for their learning. They set goals and
create and implement personal learning plans. In addition, they
demonstrate the ability to manage resources, adapt to changing
circumstances and make personal choices for the benefit of
themselves and others.
The best starting point for learning is with
real, genuine issues of importance to students and communities.
Active, concrete experience, driven by the "need to know," is the
most powerful form of learning. Adolescents learn best when they
encounter intriguing topics and people in real-world situations, and
when they are faced with genuine challenges, choices and
responsibility for their own learning. Thus at the heart of Tech
Valley High School's course of study are real, rich and complex
problems and issues that involve learning 21st century skills—all
wrapped into project-based learning experiences.
