As we celebrate the many successes of PTECH, one accomplishment that truly defined the program’s mark on education was its designation as a model school in 2016. Just two years after HFM BOCES implemented the out-of-the-box approach to learning known as PTECH, the program earned a model school designation by the International Center for Leadership in Education.
Model schools are selected annually based on high student achievement in all subgroups, providing every student with a rigorous and relevant curriculum, use of data to make instructional decisions, emphasizing pedagogy over technology, and other innovative, best practices.
In honor of the recognition, PTECH was invited to share their best practices at the Annual Model Schools Conference which was held in Orlando, Florida. The Model Schools Conference is the nation’s premier event for rapidly improved, K-12 schools and districts and attracts thousands of educators, who come to learn about exemplary elementary, middle, and high schools.
Willard R. Daggett, Founder and Chairman of the International Center, said at the time, “We are extremely proud of this exceptional program. They will be sharing best practices, which align with the International Center’s mission of providing a rigorous learning experience for all students.”
In 2016, five PTECH students presented at the Annual Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida where they shared with educators from across the country the story of their innovative regional school.
Five PTECH students made the trip south to attend the event where they shared with educators from across the country the story of their innovative regional school.
The students also provided insights alongside their PTECH teachers during the conference, who gave presentations on project based learning, a key tenet of the program.
“Our students are best suited to telling the PTECH story; they have first-hand experience they can share about how PTECH’s culture and approach to teaching and learning fosters student success,” stated then PTECH Principal Mike Dardaris. “I was thrilled to have our students represent PTECH and the Mohawk Valley Region in such a positive way.
Jennifer Sponnoble, a counselor at PTECH since its inception, said that students who enroll in the program are invested in being the best they can be and accept the challenge of doing school in an out-of-the-box way.
“The excitement our students have for this program and the energy they put into their work is palpable,” she said. “That excitement really shined through when they presented at the Model Schools Conference. Our students and their positive attitude towards the work they are doing is what propels PTECH forward.” said Sponnoble.
HFM PTECH’s recognition as a model school was a milestone for both the program and the students that attended the conference. The opportunity to present on the unique learning opportunities offered at PTECH was a once in a lifetime opportunity for those students, and the designation bolstered both PTECH’s impact on our community and the school model as a whole.
