School News by David J. Faltys Ed.D., Superintendent CISD
I have less than a month before I hit the 50-year-oldbrmilestone, and when I think of all of the things I've experienced in mybrlifetime, I am amazed. A lot can happen in 50 years.
Technology for this generation isbroutpacing itself into new realms of possibility. We are the generation thatbrwent from 8-tracks and cassettes to mp3 players and Blu-ray, from 45 records tobrCDs and iTunes; from color televisions and microwaves to Netflix and cupcake ATMs.brThese are amazing examples of our recent and rapid technological progress andbrchange.
Students no longer sit and listenbrabout how to dissect frogs — they are using 3D technologies and iPads to do itbrthemselves, virtually. They know a whole library of terminology that you and Ibrhave to struggle to keep up with: Facebook, Google, YouTube, Tumblr, LinkedIn,brInstagram, Snapchat and Vine, and those are just our elementary kids.
Gone are the days of lecterns andbrpassive learning. Now our students want interactive lessons, high-tech visualbraides and collaborative learning communities. I worry at times that they willbrhave to “power down” when they come to school — they are the most connectedbrgeneration in the history of mankind. Imagine training your employees for jobsbrthat have not yet been created or actively seeking ways to keep them engaged throughoutbrthe day just so they don't become bored and ineffective. That's our challengebrevery day in Carroll ISD classrooms.
With that in mind, CISD launched a newbrScience, Technology Education and Math (STEM) program. Itbrbegan with hiring experienced career and technology education instructor, AlicebrFitzGerald. She leads our Concepts of Engineering and Technology course, which alreadybrboasts 120 students enrolled since August. STEM classrooms at Carroll HighbrSchool are equipped with a combination of high-tech and power tools to providebrhands-on, project-based learning (PBL) opportunities for Dragon students.
The engineering design process isbremphasized throughout the duration of the course, and content is embedded inbrthe PBL approach. We want our students to effectively use a variety of tools inbrthe STEM program, including software for modeling, a 3D printer for prototypingbrdesigns and power tools for constructing final projects. Carroll envisions abrprogram with mission-driven leadership. We want to develop goals and establishbra design team that includes an advisory committee, and we want the STEM culturebrto focus on personal learning and collaborative communities. We plan to identifybrand train teachers to incorporate project-basedbrlearning STEM pedagogy, including professional learning communities.
Additionally, CISD plans to marketbrand recruit, while developing interest in the STEM program from campus feederbrschools. Instruction will align to state and national standards, while developmentbrof 21st-century skills and internship experience will be topbrpriorities. Our goal in developing STEM partnerships will be to provide dual-creditbropportunities while identifying and securing key community partners to supportbrour STEM efforts. Ultimately, we’d like to develop a three- to five-yearbrstrategic plan that considers sustainability of the program.
Of course, technology and the questbrfor excellence cost us all a good deal of money. While our 2009 Bond Programbrbrought us light-years ahead of where we had been, we have a long road yet tobrtravel. I suspect our strategic planning process will identify weaknesses andbrneeds that will require the support of this community. Advancement towardsbrexcellence comes at a cost, but our students and their futures are worth it. Ibrlook forward to the day when I can look our children in the eye and tell thembrwe did all that we could to ensure excellence for their generation.
Dr. David Faltys serves as Superintendent of Carroll Independent School District, the largest 5A Exemplary district in the state of Texas. He was named by the 2010 Region XI Superintendent of the Year after being nominated for the award by his local School Board.