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EDUCATION Design and innovation program proposed at Talent Middle School Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 12, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 12, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News TALENT — A proposed School of Innovation and Design within Talent Middle School needs to teach students how to solve problems and work together, parents, industry representatives and educators said at an initial planning meeting Thursday evening. “In the end, the most important thing is how you solve problems with others,” said Mark Stella, president of Green Mountain Woodworks, a design and manufacturing business in Talent. Students would spend all but one class period in the school-within-a-school, with emphasis on projects involving science, technology, engineering and math — the STEM approach used nationwide to address the need for qualified high-tech employees. Limited to 50 seventh- and eighth-graders, the school would have a two-teacher team to ensure core subjects are integrated into the innovation, design and build process. Phoenix-Talent School District will consider a project proposal in the budget process for next school year. The program would need school board approval. Breakout groups reported back on answers to three questions posed for consideration. Stella’s comments were echoed by parents who called for teamwork and educators who said problem solving is now a key to standardized tests students face. “Tests now are all about problem solving,” said Phoenix High Assistant Principal Shawna Schleif, who reported for the educators. In addition to the need for teamwork, parents reported they don’t want the program’s students to feel segregated from the rest of the school, and they want the program to prepare students for the real world. Collaboration with others was a theme in many responses. “I don’t know how many conference calls I have in a week,” said Jeff Olson, a Boise Cascade engineer and parent of a student. “Being able to play with others is really critical in the real world.” Instead of the school purchasing and maintaining equipment that would be outdated in a few years, it should look for partnerships with businesses, several speakers said. Purchase of a CNC (computer numeric control) machine for fabrication was proposed, but local firms might be willing to perform those tasks. “The better idea is to partner with business,” said Joe Wissman of electrical-vehicle manufacturer Brammo. “They can certainly visit and see STEM in action over the year.” Principal Aaron Santi said the program could benefit teachers. “The gap between schools and industry is huge, not just for the kids but staff also,” said Santi. Assistant Principal Patrick Couture, a former science teacher, developed the concept after district Superintendent Teresa Sayre said a better budget outlook may allow the program. As currently envisioned, the school would not add additional teachers, but there would be costs for equipment. A double classroom would be created, and the school’s shop would be used a half-day for projects. There would be one computer for each two students. “This is kind of replacing what was industrial arts and shop,” said Stella. A traditional 45-minute class wouldn’t allow for the kind of collaboration needed to undertake projects that involve design, layout and fabrication, Couture said. Santi asked for volunteers willing to serve on a committee and those who could visit schools elsewhere in the state over the next two months that are offering similar programs. “We want to see more students who can solve problems, whether they become supervisors or engineers or politicians,” said Stella, who teaches a robotics course at Phoenix High. Couture can be reached via email at [email protected]. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jan. 12, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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