Sweetwater 2030 Update

Beginning in the Winter of 2016, we visited most schools in the Sweetwater District to talk to students about what was working for them and what changes they would like to see.  We also asked these students about the use of technology in schools.

From these students we heard two clear themes.

1. No surprise: Teachers are the primary source of student appreciation and angst.  We heard many stories of inspirational and adored teachers who have motivated and supported students through their learning journey and we heard some challenging stories where teachers and students did not connect in a positive and helpful way.
2. Students want to be active and do meaningful projects both inside and outside the classroom.

With that in mind, the EdTech department is organizing visits to schools who are trying new and innovative programs (specifically project based models) so that we can learn how to adapt our own instructional approaches to keep students engaged and moving toward mastery.

Our first visits are scheduled to the following schools:

April 27 VIDA Magnet School Vista

April 28 High Tech High Chula Vista Here’s a recent Getting Smart podcast about High Tech High.

If you would like to join us on these visits, please consult your site administration for coverage and  email me at daniel.winters@sweetwaterschools.org.  We have a small number of spaces available to interested Sweetwater educators.

SUHSD’s school sites have many pockets of innovation. We are creating pathways to move from pockets of innovation to a culture where learning and innovation flourishes.  We are looking for teachers with different levels of comfort and expertise that have grown in their teaching and learning practices with learning technologies.

If you know of a teacher that has grown in some way, shape or form using technology to engage, empower or improve student learning in the SUSHD, please submit their name here.