Report on my visit to High Tech High in San Diego
I was very impressed by Tony Wagner’s account of High Tech High, both in his Global Achievement Gap book and in the video he showed us during his recent Purdue visit, so I decided this is a place I must visit. I took the day tour this past Monday.
I arrived there Monday morning at 9:00. This is a cluster of five buildings surrounding a large open area with playgrounds, basketball hoops, and plenty of green grass. I was looking for a gate, or a fenced place, none appeared. Instead there were several groups of kids playing outside. I went into the building that says High Tech High. It is a very large hangar with high ceilings with art everywhere. There isn’t a single square inch surface that is covered by art; there isn’t a single square inch of ceiling that does not have something dangling from it. The variety is as amazing as the quantity, from paintings, to multi-media arrangements, to musical instruments, to gear systems, to masks. The mood of the place hits you immediately as a place where there is work and joy. Students are going in and out, talking, and laughing, yet they all seem busy and fully engaged in their work. All the classrooms have glass walls or many low windows so I was able to walk around and see most classrooms. None was arranged in the traditional mode with students in rows listening to teacher. They all had the students talking to each other and working with each other.
Student art is abundant in High Tech High’s corridors.
At 10:00 our student ambassador came to give us a tour. She is a middle school student. High Tech High is in fact a conglomerate of an elementary school, a middle school, and three high schools. They all have the same philosophy and approach, are run together but also independently. All of them use the same pedagogy and emphasize student independence; students co-design their learning with the faculty. There is a strong emphasis on exhibition of student work. In their view, it stimulates students’ intrinsic motivation, promotes self reflection and assessment, and makes room for all students to contribute in their diversity. The focus on exhibition also promotes collaboration between faculty.
It was very interesting for me to see some of the values we have been talking about all year in action:
1. During our tour, a student opened a classroom and invited us in to observe the senior calculus class which was about to start. We went in. The professor was doing the roll call. When he called a name, others responded, “She is baby sitting.” A few minutes later, a student walks in with a young child on her back. She walked to her table, dropped the child next to her, and got to work. The class proceeded naturally. This is the whole person value in action. Students are accepted with all of their lives and their baggage. Nothing is sliced out or isolated.
High Tech High’s classrooms are very open and airy.
2. While talking to the principal, I mentioned the diversity in their student body. She explained that this is by design. Admission to this charter school is by lottery. They make sure that they are representative of all classes, ethnicities, geographic locations, etc. They take all students irrespective of preparation or scores, yet, by the end, they surpass the most selective schools in the country in their performance. 98% of their graduates go to college. What is even more remarkable, 88% of these actually complete their degree. This is close to three times the national average. Their explanation is that their graduates do not know any more material than others, and they face as many challenges as any other student. The key is that their graduates have grit; they have learned to seek help; they have learned to collaborate; they have learned to trust adults and seek their input and advice. This is really remarkable. And this is the value of access and diversity in action. This is the argument with which I find we face most resistance. It is so refreshing to see that others believed in it and put it in action.
3. I asked how they managed with so many students of all ages roaming around with no gates and no fences. She laughed and said, “Our founder teaches us how to break the rules creatively.” She continued, “With all state and local regulations, you have no idea how many rules we actually break, but our focus is laser sharp on the students and their well being and at the end of the day we end up all winning. We are constantly walking a fine line, though.”
Some other features of what they do: every student is assigned an advisor who stays with them until they graduate. They meet twice a week but in group.
High Tech High runs its own teacher accreditation program. They train their teachers while they are teaching for them. The first year (the entry point) is the hardest for students because they are not used to organizing their time. They do quite a bit of hand holding in those years, and then students pick it up from there.
Pictures of the visit are available at https://www.facebook.com/PurduePoly/photos_stream. They have honors and special education but they are integrated together. Students are in the same class, but work is customized.
About the author
Kierraa jones @ on
I read your post. It is very informative and helpful to me. I admire the message valuable information you provided in your article. Thank you for posting, again! mapquest driving directions
Reply Report abuse
muazam muazam @ on
nice post like it
Reply Report abuse
muazam muazam @ on — Edited @ on
good work
Reply Report abuse
Dim Vel @ on — Edited @ on
More Offer Types. Apps Affiliate MarketingBetting Affiliate MarketingCasino Affiliate MarketingCBD Affiliate MarketingCoupons Affiliate https://www.softswiss.com/de/knowledge-base/affiliate-marketing-works-best-online-casinos/
Cancel Report abuse
Toby Strzelecki @ on
The current state of my grades suits me completely, but it was not always so until I found out about this site https://www.sopservices.net/, which performs any written work on order quickly and efficiently for everyone who wants to get good grades.
Reply Report abuse
Samuel Walters @ on
Playing Basketball Stars will help you become the best dribbler in the world. Get a ball, find a teammate to pass it to, and layups will be coming your way.
Reply Report abuse
Klais Bang @ on
In reality, of course, all violence is bad. I had a game relapse, and without it I had no serious therapy. But much better can now be done. I've had general online therapy, a psychologist's video chat. I've been home. The most important thing was relaxed and nice text therapy free . I'm happy to see these experts chatting. You have taken away my gambling addiction and I am very thankful for taking the right path. I hope I will be able to help you too!
Reply Report abuse
Henery Thomas @ on
Photo experts can see the rise and fall of the rich, the melancholy and struggle of the poor, the talent and art of artists, or the great work of the average person, which pervades our daily lives. I got a genuine essay writing service UK for her. This program can help you set up your first photo account Preparation can take some time, especially when you are working on a project like your regular job.
Reply Report abuse
Xenia Ernesta @ on
This is one of the best articles I've read in a long time. The author's attention chat gpt login to detail and ability to tell a compelling story make for an unforgettable reading experience.
Reply Report abuse
Ferriss Timothy @ on
I found what I was looking for on your website autistic test, which is both intriguing and helpful.
Reply Report abuse
Anonymous @ on
Play cookie clicker online for free, no ads!
Reply Report abuse
muazam muazam @ on
Reply Report abuse
Dana Miller @ on
When I read this www.fanthatracks.com, I was surprised. It turns out that not all writing services can be trusted. But now I won't let someone fool me!
Reply Report abuse
dolmusordo dolmusordo @ on
don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide a link in your web weblog. Thank you for sharing. Turkey Visa Application
Reply Report abuse
zelda thehgd @ on
This article provides 2048 cupcakes a thought-provoking analysis of the topic at hand.
Reply Report abuse
Lado Nna @ on — Edited @ on
Be thankful for what you have. UNO Online is a popular card game. To begin the game, each player must get seven cards from the dealer, with the first person to the left of the dealer being the first to play.
Reply Report abuse
Miliko Sawoli @ on
High Tech High enables global learning in the classroom and paper minecraft Our students work on real projects that are important to them and to society outside of the classroom.
Reply Report abuse
michael bates @ on
I found that the technology and online class offerings at High Tech High in San Diego are very good. The school has a lot of resources and the teachers are knowledgeable. I also found paying someone to take online class tuition affordable.
Reply Report abuse
gejat gejat @ on
I like this space. Free for you to be creative weaver unlimited
Reply Report abuse
alisha alishakihn kihn @ on
You have to tap the screen so that the bird flaps its wings, trying to keep a steady rhythm in order to pass through the pipes scattered through its path. Flappy Bird
Reply Report abuse
Brown Emma @ on
Your articles have helped me to learn a lot of interesting information on this topic retro bowl and they are important material from which I can come up with many good ideas.
Reply Report abuse
Anna Clerk @ on — Edited @ on
hi
Reply Report abuse
Anonymous @ on
Step into a realm where exams are mere quests and our take my teas exam for me service is your loyal companion. Together with our band of academic elves, venture into realms of unparalleled grades. Join the quest and let's write your legend!
Reply Report abuse
mary coca @ on
We both have the same problem. Go to the game among us to play exciting action games while you look for the answer. Play retro bowl unblocked for free!
Reply Report abuse
Richard William @ on
It sounds like High Tech High is an amazing place! I'm glad you had such a positive experience during your visit. Speaking of innovative approaches to education, have you heard of omegle? It's a platform that connects people from all over the world for one-on-one conversations. It could be a great way for students at High Tech High to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, further enhancing their learning experience.
Reply Report abuse