District of Philadelphia’s School of the Future By David H. Urmann At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The School District of Philadelphia and Microsoft joined forces in 2003 to create a 750 technology based educational model for high school students. It envisions an empowered community for continuous, adaptive and relevant learning.

The school of the future, organized by the School District of Philadelphia was opened in September 2006. The partnership with Microsoft Company intends to serve as an educational model that can be simulated around the world. Their goal is to give the best known information about the advancement of technology to different schools of Philadelphia and the rest of the world.

The goal is to nurture student achievements through holistic approach of secondary education. It aims to apply research and development for educational practices and inspire personal responsibility while learning. More importantly, it aims to incorporate the best of technology solutions in every area of learning such as back-office support, curriculum delivery, content creation and assessment.

The economic shift of technology has a vast impact on our everyday life and the youth of today. The existing model of public education was created during the end of the 19th century. This was made when the industrial revolution brings out mechanical production systems. Many people left schooling to work in farms and mills. Reading, writing and arithmetic was their sufficient foundation to cope with its demand. Now, many employers seek employees with advanced skills that can take hold of complex systems.

In today’s emerging technology, the Department of Education insists on reforming education. Microsoft participated in the commission that concerns the 21st century students. Future projects lay down to ensure the commitment on preparing them for a more advanced 21st century learner.

The School of the Future builds a Curriculum Working Committee to identify five factors for the school’s success, such as:

Connected Learning Community
The project should engage all the stakeholders like the community organizations, students, parents and businesses. It should establish different forms of communication, soliciting input and shared information. The use of digital tools, electronic and print media will eliminate barriers of language, including the economy. Lastly, the entire community should employ opportunities in promoting learning as an enduring process.

Proficient Curriculum-driven Environment
The physical setting of schools should be favorable. Technical infrastructure should support future mobile and advanced technical equipments for data sharing. An adaptable place is important in providing instruction and learning with ease.

Flexible Learning Environment
An effective learning environment adapts to the ever-changing needs of its members. Focusing on student-centered instructional models will encourage students to recognize their potentials. The environment should be open for independent changes in faculty and personnel in order to create more opportunities for them.

Cross-curriculum Integration
The professional staff should include the latest results in research and development from technology, businesses and educational institutions. This will ensure a continuous development on its curriculum. Schools should be a learning laboratory that enables the students to design, complete and evaluate projects for the enhancement of their learning process.

Leadership
The school leader should represent strength, optimistic, strategic mind and motivation. He or she must been able to design and lay down professional development programs in addressing needs. One should also know how to interact and communicate with the community. Other qualities include exhibiting fiscal responsibility and evaluating instructional programs in a two-way method.

The School of the Future will become the most exceptional educational structure in the whole globe. It redefines the standard way of learning. The project demonstrates the new look of learning in the 21st century, empowering people of all ages.

The improvement of education is a great investment that would benefit every part of society. The School of the Future by the School District of Philadelphia and Microsoft remains committed to this vision. The project empowers the community and prepares them to a more modern future.

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