Environmental Studies The “green” in Green Tech High’s name reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to environmental education and awareness among its students.
Environmental studies at Green Tech High serve several purposes: (1) to help students better understand the importance of environmental issues in their daily lives; (2) to provide students with the content knowledge to participate as informed citizens when environmental issues are raised; (3) to offer an engaging way that taps local resources to teach students about science, biology, mathematics, geography, history, and other subjects; and, (4) to enable students to pursue, if they so choose, environmental studies at the collegiate level and to add perspective to their eventual employer’s environmental responsibilities.
The school’s emphasis on environmental studies will capitalize on the growing interest in such issues by colleges, businesses, and policymakers in this state and across the nation.(1)
Green Tech High will use the natural resources of this region, including the Pine Bush, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Hudson River, as outdoor classrooms to emphasize environmental issues, build environmental awareness, and as a basis for the study of science, geography, history, art, and other subjects. The school also has more than 100 curriculum benchmarks specifically based on environmental studies that will supplement the fulfillment of New York State standards in earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and social studies. Finally, Green Tech High will offer a semester-long Advanced Placement (AP) course in environmental studies in addition to its regular science courses. The district’s AP program at Albany High School does not offer a course in this area.(2)
Green Tech High’s focus on environmental studies is reflected in its proposed governance structure, too. Among the founding members of the school’s Board of Trustees is Chris Hawver with the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission. Mr. Hawver is the Executive Director of the Commission which is responsible for the management and protection of Albany Pine Bush Preserve, 3,010 acres of rare and protected inland pine barrens uniquely located in an urban setting. Among other duties, Mr. Hawver oversees efforts at the Pine Bush on ecological research, management and restoration, public education and outreach, and conservation planning. His contribution to the school’s Board of Trustees will help ensure an effective and practical focus on environmental study within the school’s curricular program.
Technology
The “tech” in Green Tech High refers to the school’s commitment to ensuring that students are technologically literate. Instead of simply preparing 9th-graders for entry-level jobs in the tech industry that require little or no post-secondary education, Green Tech High will expose students broadly to technology and skills that are needed to succeed in higher education and the workplace beyond college. Regardless of whether Green Tech High students ultimately find themselves employed in the tech industry, an understanding of technological applications is crucial to become a productive member of today’s society.
The school will have computers in every classroom and will provide wireless Internet access throughout the building. The Internet will be regularly used in classrooms as part of instruction. Green Tech High also will integrate technology across its core academic courses to promote analytical writing, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration that will allow students with various learning styles to excel. This approach models the notable successes that have been achieved by the Media and Technology Charter High School (MATCH) in Boston.
Seniors at Green Tech High will be provided with laptop computers, free of charge, to use throughout the year and to take with them on their next step to college.
Green Tech High has enlisted John Haller, co-founder of the global software company MapInfo Corp., as a member of its initial Board of Trustees. Mr. Haller was a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1986 when he teamed up with three classmates and a faculty advisor to start MapInfo, where he served as the company’s Chief Technology Officer for 13 years. Today, the Troy-based MapInfo is a $150+ million company whose technology is used by more than 7,000 organizations worldwide.(3) Since MapInfo’s creation, Mr. Haller has switched his focus from business software applications to consumer applications, and recently has begun his third start-up venture, League Sports Services, Inc. Mr. Haller’s experience and insight clearly will be an important resource for Green Tech High.
