FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mansoureh Tehrani Phone: 972-968-5434 Email: tehranim@cfbisd.

edu Contact: Krista Clark Phone: 707-259-5972 Email: kclark@newtechnetwork.org

New Tech Network President Lydia Dobyns Names Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School as one of 26 National Demonstration Sites METSA is cited as exemplary school in the New Tech Network
Carrollton, TX (August 25, 2011) New Tech Network President Lydia Dobyns announced today that the Math, Engineering, Technology and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District was selected as a National Demonstration Site in the New Tech Network (NTN). METSA epitomized one of the best examples of the New Tech mission to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow. To receive this distinction of excellence, METSA achieved many notable accomplishments. The school had to develop a clear set of student learning outcomes consistent with skills required to succeed in college or career. These include content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic/collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communications. All courses must demonstrate rigorous and relevant Project-Based Learning (PBL) to amplify learning while engaging students in the classroom. The deep integration of technology must be present in all classrooms. Finally, a school culture that establishes students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility must be evident throughout the school. METSA opened in 2007 with its first class of freshman. The school, located in Carrollton, Texas is now in its fifth year. METSAs mission is to inspire a community of lifelong learners where every student will meet or exceed the state's graduation requirements in four years, prepared to pursue and persist in postsecondary ambitions in STEM. Mansoureh Tehrani, the Director of METSA detailed the steps her school has taken to achieve NTN Demonstration site status. We opened METSA and were immediately challenged with a new way to re-imagine teaching and learning. During these past four years, we have seen amazing examples of engaged students who challenge themselves to higher standards regularly. It has been evident through our hard work, our students are not only better prepared for life and college, they have achieved a deep love of learning, said Mansoureh Tehrani. Our school is founded on the following core principals and national educational needs: 1) combine academic rigor with strong supportive relationships (Gates Foundations Small Schools Core Principles); 2) engage and attract students to STEM related studies and careers (National Center of Educational Statistics, the National Assessment of Education); and 3) incorporate project- and problem-based learning (Buck Institute for Education). Utilizing the above research, we created an academy that introduces students to the disciplines of engineering and engineering technology via content delivered in a comprehensive project-based approach that promotes student inquiry and student generated pathways

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and products that solve real-world problems. Engineering is a required elective in grades 9-12 via Project Lead the Way and IGNITE curriculum, said Tehrani. Principal of R.L. Turner High School, Georgeanne Warnock said, METSA is an exemplar school for 21st century learning. Our entire high school is incorporating the vision and goals of METSA as we shift from a traditional comprehensive high school to four small colleges. Our students will have the advantages of the benefits of a comprehensive high school with the supportive environment of a small school. METSA will serve as a role model in the transition of our campus. Demonstration site schools also play a key role in the expansion of the New Tech Network. METSA will host tours for interested national, state and local schools who want to see a New Tech school firsthand. Visitors will take part in student-led tours to learn about the fundamentals of the school, including showcasing exemplary project-based learning, integrated use of technology and unique aspects of the school culture. Last year, NTN schools hosted thousands of visitors wishing to experience a New Tech high school. In addition, demonstration sites host national and regional New Tech training events for teachers and administrators. These schools are exemplary schools within the New Tech Network. Each school has shown enormous dedication and creativity all centered around providing students with the learning experiences essential to successful post-secondary paths. These students will graduate prepared for college and career options, said Dobyns. In our district and at METSA, we have one goal high achievement for all students. METSA is a shining example of how project-based learning and collaboration between teachers and students create an environment of academic achievement. I applaud the METSA staff and students for their diligent commitment to high standards and hard work, said Dr. Bobby Burns, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD superintendent. Unlike students in traditional high schools, where most teachers lecture and use textbooks as a teaching approach, teachers in New Tech high schools design rigorous, real-world projects tied to state and district standards and customize them to their location and the interests of students. The result: Students who are deeply engaged in learning and develop important skills such as critical thinking and collaboration.

# # # About New Tech Network: New Tech Network, www.newtechnetwork.org, is a non-profit school development organization that supports the start-up and implementation of innovative high schools marked by project-based learning in a technology-rich environment. The first New Tech High School Napa New Tech opened in 1996. Today there are 87 New Tech schools nationwide in 16 states.. New Tech schools are established in rural, urban and suburban communities and operate either as stand-alone institutions or on shared campuses. Locations include schools in Arkansas, California, Delaware Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Washington and Texas. NTN is a subsidiary of KnowledgeWorks Foundation of Cincinnati, Ohio.

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