| Distance Learning coming to the Knox County Schools |
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The Great Schools Partnership (GSP) is working with the Knox County Schools to develop a strong distance learning network that will include not only its own 13 high schools but also surrounding counties-- such as Anderson and Roane -- that wish to participate and are equipped to do so. Distance learning allows one highly qualified teacher in a hard-to-staff subject such as AP Physics or Mandarin Chinese to teach students at half a dozen different schools simultaneously. Distance learning can be a powerful supplement to traditional classroom instruction.
Distance learning labs would allow Knox County to offer high end STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) instruction despite a statewide shortage of STEM instructors. In addition, the network would enable Knox County to take advantage of its new STEM Academy partnership with UT-Batelle and the University of Tennessee. With the most talented faculty and most rigorous and relevant course offerings, the new academy could offer many of its courses to students at surrounding high schools in real time via distance learning.
The instructional opportunities created by this network will also be made available to students in school districts surrounding Knox County through "real-time" broadcasting as well as through recording and archiving courses for broadcasting at a later time. Knox County will donate these courses as long as the outlying school districts have the necessary equipment and a "teacher of record" to handle testing, grading, supplemental instruction, etc.
Watch in 2011 as the Great Schools Partnership announces a new $450,000 grant from a local donor to place this new RIVER (Robust Interactive Virtual Environment Room) in each of our 13 high schools. A press conference has been scheduled for January 21st at Bearden High School. |
| McKinsey Study |
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Several years ago, the McKinsey Group released an eye-opening study of the most successful school systems in the world. Governor Bredesen used the study to raise awareness about how far the United States has slipped in the quality of its schools and what Tennessee must do to create a globally competitive school system. Since then, educational standards have been raised, assessments toughened and resources marshaled to help us achieve our lofty goals.
Now, Round Two of the study has been released. Knoxvillians should be pleased with the results for two reasons. First, by singling out Boston as one of the world's 20 exemplary systems, the study confirms the wisdom of our school board's selection of Dr. Jim McIntyre as our local superintendent. Before coming to Knoxville, Dr. Mc Intyre was the Chief Operating Officer of the Boston City Schools. Second, several of the key reforms that are underway in Knox County -- giving principals more control over their schools; creating more opportunities for teachers to collaborate, coach and evaluate one another; moving away from more scripted curricula -- are practices that are characteristics of the world's most successful school systems. This should leave Knoxvillians feeling optimistic about the future of our schools system.
To read the McKinsey Study click here
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