New High School Thinking: Supt. Mark White

Reviewer: Mark White

Position: Superintendent

District/School: Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, OH

Number of Students in District: 6,988

Products: Dell Latitude e6420, Dell Optiplex 790 desktops, Cisco Networks

Goals:

The district has implemented a new type of high school, Lincoln High School (GLHS). The unique design of the building was essential to promoting the teaching and learning we envisioned. We are working to break away from the 9-month school year.

Response:

Parents appreciate the progressive approach. Teachers are enthusiastic, but they are also being challenged to keep up with the latest trends in technology and how to use them in this new environment. Teachers are pushing themselves to transform their curriculum. Students appreciate the technology, and learning freedom in their new environment.

Learning Curve:

Our principal, Dwight Carter, did an exemplary job training teachers and pushing them to think in new ways about teaching and learning. The staff is committed and shares the vision.

How We Use It:

Upgrading the technology infrastructure was a priority. A cadre of teachers to led the way. The teachers have bought into the change, but they still need constant support. We’re blending traditional learning and curriculum with a modern approach, so there are some challenges.

What’s Ahead?:

The high school must find ways to move the Clark Hall philosophy to its traditional K-12 building. The district advocates a BYOD philosophy, and it must determine how many students will bring their own devices and how many the district must purchase.

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