2012 New Tech Annual Conference

New Tech Annual Conference (NTAC)

Planning Track at NTAC 2012: “Dive into Deeper Learning”
Grand Rapids, July 17-19

Four South Carolina districts participated in the Planning Track at the 2012 conference of the New Tech Network in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 16-19.” Our two project schools, Colleton County High School and Scott’s Branch High School, sent teams of district leaders, principals and teachers, and other SC districts attended in order to further explore the New Tech approach and how it would impact student success in their districts. We were part of 1,200 principals, teachers, superintendents, alumni and students—representing more than 120 schools nationwide – and a few from down under!

The conference brought together new and veteran school staff, partners, coaches and others to share strategies, celebrate successes and strengthen the New Tech community. This year’s theme, Dive into Deeper Learning, allowed participants to discover the essence of deeper learning: rich and engaging student work that leads to college and career readiness.

Participants enjoyed keynote speaker, Dennis Littky, co-founder and co-director of Big Picture Learning, the Met School and College Unbound.  As a social entrepreneur, Dr. Littky has successfully helped develop an innovative, replicable model for schools that has led to the creation of a network of 75 schools in 20 cities, nationally, and 20 abroad.  Beyond the keynote, a wide array of sessions tailored to participants’ needs and interests were offered over the course of the four-day conference.