While there are more than 130 New Tech schools across the country, Innovation Tech will be the first in Central New York and will be located at the Lee G. Peters Career Training Center in Liverpool.
Innovation Tech is a school that understands the changes that are rapidly taking place in the world and recognizes and supports the need to be prepared with 21st Century Skills for life and work in our changing world.
Innovation Tech provides an empowering culture, with learning that is relevant, student-driven and truly reflects 21st Century Learning and the global environment in which we live.
“Without a doubt, New Tech Schools are redefining secondary education,” said Jody Manning, district superintendent for OCM BOCES. “Students become self-directed learners who no longer depend on teachers and textbooks in a search of a single, right answer. They use technology on a regular basis, not just for special projects.”
At Innovation Tech, the approach to learning begins with teaching that is engaging, utilizing a project based learning approach.
Karen Clark has been the OCM BOCES Director of Alternative Education for seven years and is excited about her role in bringing Innovation Tech to Central New York. She said, “This model truly engages students through a technology-based approach to solving real world problems by employing business partnerships for authentic learning and meaningful collaboration.”
At Innovation Tech, students work in teams on authentic projects to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Teamwork builds social skills and encourages the strong work ethic that is absolutely critical in today's business environment. Teams embrace the talents and perspectives that each team member brings to the project.
All students at Innovation Tech earn college credit, participate in internships, and give back to the community through service learning. The program is available for students in grades 9-12.
Students are invited to apply through their home school district administrator of school counselor. School districts identify their pool of candidates for Innovation Tech. If needed, a lottery system is employed when the number of candidates exceeds the availability of seats at Innovation Tech. Once applications are reviewed, all potential candidates and their families will have an interview with staff from Innovation Tech. Enrollment is limited. If a student is selected to enroll at Innovation Tech, he/she will participate in orientation activities prior to the first day of school.
BOCES is holding an information night for parents and students interested in Innovation Tech at the school (4500 Crown Road) in Liverpool from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 9. Interested students should also talk to their school guidance counselors for more information.
For additional information about Innovation Tech, visit us online at innovationtech.us.
