12.10.09

 

The state’s top education officials visited Tech Valley High School on Thursday, meeting with students, faculty and staff.

State Education Department Commissioner David Steiner, Deputy Commissioner John King, and Regent Joseph Bowman spent the majority of their 90 minutes at TVHS visiting with students and getting a tour of the school's new home, led by those students.

He also learned about the project-based teaching approaches the TVHS practices and the focus on 21st century skills.

Following his visit, the commissioner praised the students and the school.

"The students are clearly enjoying (TVHS). They're learning. Their results are good. And at the same time there is a sense of purpose, sense of understanding why you're doing what you're doing and why you're learning what you're learning," Steiner said.

Tech Valley High School was created by special state legislation in 2007 to provide students with the skills necessary to be successful in college and in tomorrow’s workforce. The theme of the regional public high school is a strong emphasis on math, science and technology, however the reality is that students receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them to compete in the growing high tech and global economy that is emerging in Capital Region’s Tech Valley.

The focus of the school is to provide an education on 21st Century Skills in a project-based learning environment. This is accomplished through unprecedented collaboration between K-12 public schools, higher education, business, organized labor and government.

It is the only public high school of its kind in New York State and serves as a model school for others on the East Coast.

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