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Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Detroit Public Schools today announced it is creating a “digital learning community,”
a small high school that uses a technology rich environment to engage students and accelerate learning. Apple will supply technology and professional development for the new school.
In support of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s small high school initiative, DPS is creating a unique school utilizing digital teaching and learning solutions from Apple. The small high school, known as Detroit Digital Learning Community High, will be open to a cross-section of students within the District, particularly those thought to be at risk. It will enroll some 250 ninth graders this school year and expand to a 9-12 high school over the next three years. Enrollment applications are now being accepted.
The school will be housed within Crockett High School, located on Detroit’s eastside. Approximately half of the 250 students participating this year will go on to form the 10th grade of the new school, while other students will pursue the specialized career preparation options available at Crockett.
“The consistent use of technology is a wonderful way to engage our students, particularly those who are at risk for dropping out or not completing their education on time,” said William F. Coleman III, CEO of the Detroit Public Schools. “This school will be focused on learning rather than teaching. And it is a collaborative process that involves students, parents, teachers and the community at large. A large part of the program is the mentorship. The mentorship will expose students to role models and increase their desire to keep reaching for great heights.”
Granholm has long championed the use of technology to enhance learning and has made the creation of small high schools one of her top education goals. The creation of small high schools was also a key recommendation of the Cherry Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth, the blue-ribbon panel Granholm charged with finding ways to double the number of college graduates in Michigan.
“We need to find new and better ways to make sure all children are prepared for success in college and in life” said Granholm. “This new school is a dramatic step toward that goal by a school district hungry for change.”
John Couch, Apple’s vice president for education, added, “We are thrilled to be working with Detroit Public Schools on this exciting new school that will emphasize 21st Century knowledge and skills. For more than 25 years, Apple has provided educators and students with the best digital solutions for teaching and learning.”
The new high school will function as a small learning community that uses a wide variety of technological tools developed by Apple, including wirelessly-enabled iBook G4s, iPods, and software programs like iLife’05, allowing students and teachers to make the most of digital movies, photos and music in school projects and presentations. Considerable emphasis will be placed on project-based learning.
District officials hope to be able to use this digital learning environment to improve test scores. They also believe it could be a critical weapon in the District’s battle to increase the graduation rate and to steer more students toward higher education institutions. In addition to sharpening their thinking skills, the program will also be instrumental in developing the students’ skills in mathematics, science, reading, writing and global communications.
Detroit Digital Learning Community High School joins a growing list of small high schools within the DPS system that are focused on certain academic themes. Others include the Detroit Technology High School and the Communication and Media Arts High School
