Innovation Academy opened in August 2013 with 100 learners in both 5th and 6th grade. Innovation Academy is located within the walls of Riverside Intermediate School.
There are four facilitators at each Innovation Academy grade level. Jeni Hirschy, principal of Riverside Intermediate School details the steps her school has taken to achieve NTN Demonstration site status:
“In the spring of 2014, I was encouraged to complete an application. Being asked was an honor as we were wrapping up our first school year of implementation. In July, Lauren Cooper and I were asked to respond to questions from our application. On August 21, we participate in a conference call with representatives from New Tech. Now just recently, the New Tech Network– (NTN) announced that Innovation Academy @ RIS was selected as a National Demonstration Site in the New Tech Network (NTN). Innovation Academy 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.”
“We opened during the 2013-14 school year and were immediately challenged with a new way to re-imagine teaching and learning. This past year, we have seen amazing examples of engaged students,” said Hirschy. “Our teachers have made a commitment to attend national conferences and ongoing professional development. They have worked together to create a tremendous learning environment for the students attending the academy.”
Demonstration site schools play a key role in the development and scale of the New Tech Network as well. Innovation Academy will host tours for national, state and local schools and districts to experience a New Tech school firsthand. Visitors will take part in student-led tours to learn about the fundamentals of the school, including project-based learning examples, integrated use of technology and the culture shift that is integral to every New Tech.
Last year, NTN schools saw thousands of visitors wishing to experience a New Tech school. In addition to tours, demonstration sites play an important role for critical New Tech training events. These trainings often provide an authentic immersion experience within a New Tech school for teachers and administrators as new districts and communities prepare to open and teach in their own schools. Events like leadership summits, demonstration sites host teacher shadowing and leadership residency, allowing for a first-hand experience within a New Tech school.
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 include content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic/collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communication.
All courses must demonstrate rigorous and relevant Project-Based Learning (PBL) to amplify deeper learning while engaging students in the classroom. The deep integration and use of technology must be present in all classrooms. Finally, a school culture that establishes students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility must be evident throughout the school.
For more information about Plymouth Community School Corporation please visit www.plymouth.k12.in.us.
