Process

New Technology Foundation (NTF) offers school development services to schools interested in the New Technology High School (NTHS) model. Work began in 2000 under grants awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create a Network of New Technology High Schools. Each of the schools is modeled on the Napa Valley Unified School District's nationally acclaimed demonstration school - New Technology High School.

Districts, schools, and school development organizations interested in becoming part of the NTHS Network need to do the necessary pre-work within their communities and subsequently develop master plans. Schools interested in future NTHS school development must show 100% commitment to the following criteria:

Program

• Size: School will be designated a small school with less than 400 students for grades 9-12.
• Unique School Name and School Code: School will have its own identity, with a unique school name and state school code.
• Full-day Program: Students will get all of their core curriculum through the school.
• College Readiness: Core courses will all meet state requirements for college readiness.
• Admission Policy: School will have a non-selective admissions policy.

Curriculum

• PeBL™ Collaborative Learning Environment: Students and staff fully implement PeBL tools to facilitate a student-centered learning environment.
• PBL: All courses will implement Project-Based Learning as the primary instructional methodology in the classroom.
• Team Teaching and Cross-Curricular Integration: Team teaching, cross-curricular projects, and/or integrated courses expected in all subjects.
• PBL Library: Staff must be supported with professional development and curriculum development resources so that they can contribute to the shared Project Library.
• Authentic Assessment: Assessment strategies need to reflect both subject matter content and 21st Century skills.
• Professional Culture of Trust, Respect and Responsibility: Staff work with students to create an adult, professional climate that relies on trust, respect and responsibility to develop a positive culture.

Technology

• Technology: 1:1 student to networked computer ratio in all classrooms.
• Network Capacity: School networks will have sufficient bandwidth and storage capacity to provide all students and staff with Internet access and storage space on personal and shared disks.
• Designated File Server Room: Air conditioned room (70º) with adequate power and network.

Partnerships

• Business: School will develop business community partnerships for financial support, internship opportunities and participation in school projects.
• Community: School will develop community partnerships for financial support, community service opportunities and participation in school projects.
• Colleges: School will develop key partnerships with the local higher education organizations to provide college courses to high school students.

Professional Development

• Visitations and Shadowing: Key staff members will attend a shadowing experience at one of NTHS Flagship schools.
• Start-Up Training: All staff will attend a 5-day training on PBL unit development and technology in the months prior to the school opening.
• NTF Network Professional Development Programs: Participation in NTF Network Teacher and Director Development Programs.
• Tech Administration Training: Designated Lotus Notes/Network Administrator will attend summer administration training.

Staffing

• Staffing Autonomy: School principal will have significant autonomy from involuntary or undesirable transfers from other schools. Hiring and assessment procedures must reflect the specific requirements of the model.
• Dedicated Staff: Teachers and principals are full-time employees of the school and will not have their assignments divided with other schools.
• Principal Selection: NTF will play a advisory partner role in principal selection and approval.
• On-Site NTF advocate: One lead teacher will be designated as an on-site NTF advocate for staff and liaison with NTF , with stipend from NTF .
• IT Network Administrator: Assignment of IT network administrator to support school (full time for a school of 400).

Facilities

• Separate Facilities: Facilities support a unique identity and are physically separate from other schools.
• Classroom Learning Environments: Classrooms are large enough and organized to support team teaching in a technology-rich environment.