Central Coast New Tech High

Central Coast New Tech High School

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1.       Why did the district open Central Coast New Tech in 2012?

As part of the development of our Vision 2020 Framework, many stakeholders, including board members, administrators, teachers, local business representatives, and parents visited innovative K-12 programs in California, and New Tech High programs in Napa and the Los Angeles area were visited.  After observing these schools, the New Tech model seemed to be a great way to ensure that high school students would learn the seven 21st Century skills identified in our Vision 2020 Framework.  New Tech was seen as having the potential to serve as a model to foster innovation in teaching and learning through the use of Project and Problem based learning, use of technology as a support tool, development of important skills, and use of rubrics to assess those skills.  In addition, New Tech staff were seen as being able to use their training to serve as district resources for PBL and use of technology throughout the district.  It was envisioned that Central Coast New Tech High would be an “Incubator of Innovation” for the entire school district to share best practices.

2.       How much money has been spent on CCNTHS to date, and where did the money come from?

New Tech basically has three different types of costs:  operational costs, facilities costs and training and support  paid to the New Tech Network.  The operational costs (see Attachment 1) of New Tech (staffing, technology support, instructional materials, etc.) are funded out of the District General Fund.  In the first year of operation, New Tech High ran in the red by about $115, 000.  Since the first year, the revenue brought in by the number of students at New Tech has exceeded the expenses ($96,200 in year 2 and $482,115 in year 3) and is projected to do so for the life of the school.

The Facilities costs to date have been approximately $4 million, which include renovation, use of portables, and installation of new modular buildings.  These funds have come out of our Developer Fee account, which can only be used for new buildings to house students.  The cost to complete the last phase of New Tech is approximately $3.5 million.

The fees paid to the New Tech Network for training, certification, use of the Echo learning platform, professional development, coaching and conferences total about $350,000, all of which have been paid for by the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation.

3.       Why is the district spending money on New Tech during difficult budget times when money could have been used at the other 17 schools

As noted above, Central Coast New Tech High actually generates more money than it spends.  In addition, New Tech currently enrolls 54 students who live outside our district or who were being home schooled, so it is bringing in about $370,000 (54 students times $6,841 per student) into our district.  The Developer Fee money used for facilities construction at New Tech High are restricted funds that can only be used for new buildings to house students, and can’t be used for maintenance of our existing schools.  Finally, the soft costs we pay to the New Tech Network for training and support are all being paid by LMFI, which supports innovation in our district.

4.       How big of a school will New Tech become?  

Currently New Tech enrolls students in grades 9, 10 and 11 and has 283 students.  New Tech schools are intended to be small schools, with no more than  500 students.  (See Attachment 2 for the New Tech Network “Conditions of Success”.)  New Tech High is required to have its own separate identity and own state school code and has a separate mission than NHS.

5.       What are the class sizes at New Tech?  Why are they smaller?

Classes at New Tech are intended to be smaller to allow for integration of classes and team teaching, and integrated courses do not have more than 55 students.  Most courses at New Tech have two teachers and two classes of students, and thus require larger classroom space.  Currently New Tech integrates about two-thirds of the classes (examples include Bio-Ethics, World History and Communications, American Studies and Political Studies; Algebra 2 and Physics )  Class sizes in general at New Tech average about 22 students.

6.       Do all students use a laptop computer?  What other technology is used?

Yes, the New Tech Network requires that all students have access to 1:1 networked computers.  Students either bring their own computer, or the school provides them a refurbished Dell computer or a Chromebook.  New Tech students all have access to the Echo Learning Platform to access grades and assignments, and also have email accounts on this system.

7.       Do all classes use Project-Based Learning?

While PBL is the primary instructional methodology used in classes, Math and Spanish are two classes that have adapted PBL and use PrBL (Problem-Based Learning) instead.  PrBL uses shorter projects, sometimes of 1-3 day duration instead of the longer 4-6 week duration of PBL, to more effectively teach concepts requiring shorter time frames.

8.       Are AP Classes offered at New Tech?

Students are encouraged to take concurrent enrollment classes in conjunction with Cuesta Community College so they can receive college credit and experience the rigor of a college level class.  As such, Central Coast New Tech does not offer Advanced Placement classes.

9.       Does New Tech offer Career Technical Education  (CTE) classes?

Central Coast New Tech is considered a “Specialized Program” and as such students who have enrolled automatically fulfill the district’s Career Pathway Requirement.  In addition, New Tech students are encouraged to take elective classes that combine design concepts (Advanced Graphic Arts for sophomores) with computer programing (Computer Science using Oracle Curriculum for juniors).

1.  Is the District forcing all schools to become PBL schools?

Project-Based Learning is an instructional methodology that was first introduced back in 2008 with training provided by the Buck Institute.  PBL is seen as an effective way to engage students in learning, and to provide them with real-world, meaningful applications of their learning.  While all teachers are encouraged to use either PBL or PrBL, it is up to each school site to determine how extensively it is used.  It is not expected that all schools will use PBL to the extent that it is currently used at New Tech.  New Tech teachers are encouraged to complete their coaching training certification from the New Tech Network, and provide a two-day training to other school site teachers when they are asked.