This is a very fine example of what Public Education can and should be.
I am part of Leadership Orange, which brings together adults from different work experience and skill sets, to be immersed in Orange County Pubic Schools, and learn as well as contribute ideas for future success.
Our first meeting was at West Orange High School. My adult children visited West Orange MANY times as Dr Phillips High School was considered their rival during football season.
Now, granted, my kids graduated 10+ years ago, I was speechless to see how far OCPS has come with education, especially at West Orange.
The campus is beautifully laid out and has a large outdoor open area for students to meet up and talk during free time.
What really blew me away was that many, if not MOST classes are totally digital/electronic. Each student has laptop and the curriculum is fully loaded on the laptops. Teachers use an interactive power-point type program in front of the class and can manage what students are doing, and gauge the lesson plan instantly based on student results.
Another great thing about the 'electronic classroom' is that parents can also monitor their student's growth academically. Since this is the 'digital generation' I honestly believe using computers to teach with helps students take a greater interest in learning, and motivates the students to learn and hopefully grow further with a solid education.
Of course, there are subjects that just cannot be taught fully on a computer; arts, music, sports but I have a feeling the computers are still used in those classrooms, too [only saw marine biology first hand].
The students at West Orange also seem to have great respect for their teachers and the entire education team.
Keep doing what you are doing West Orange High! You are most definitely building our future leaders! I am in AWE! read more