|
|
Published February 13, 2008 09:28 pm - RIVERTON, Kan. — Educators from upstate New York on Wednesday looked to the Riverton School District for approaches to technology education.
New York educators examine Riverton technology education
By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
RIVERTON, Kan. — Educators from upstate New York on Wednesday looked to the Riverton School District for approaches to technology education.
“New York state is becoming more picky about meeting state standards,” said Craig Halvorsen, a middle-school teacher at Taconic Hills Central School in Craryville, N.Y. He said his school superintendent is seeking ways to improve technology education.
Halvorsen said it’s important for pupils to explore technology at all levels.
“Who knows what careers that can lead into?” he said.
Riverton technology teacher Marty Falling and Megan Wells, a 17-year-old high-school senior, explained the technology program that starts in sixth grade and continues through to high-school graduation. The program is designed around technology pods supplied by Depco, of Pittsburg. The pods include those for drafting, vinyl-sign making, desktop publishing, computer animation, Web page design, digital photography and engineering.
“There’s not one kid I know of who’s afraid of technology,” Falling told the visitors. He said his classes are full, and he has pupils on waiting lists to get into his classes.
Though he is a teacher, he said sometimes the situation is reversed.
“I will learn from my high-school students,” he said.
He said teachers sometimes are more reluctant to delve into new technology, but they soon become comfortable with it. He said part of teachers’ job evaluations is how they use technology in their classrooms.
Wells said that as a sixth-grader, she became interested in the pod dealing with small gasoline engines, and that led to her rebuilding the car she now drives. She told the visitors that her interests now lean toward digital photography and video production.
Falling said one of his goals is to provide pupils with skills they can use to gain jobs directly out of high school, if they choose not to continue their education.
Becky Murray, Riverton Middle School principal, talked with the visitors about the school district’s demographics, including the poverty level. Teachers Julia Veronezi and Lynda Akerman said Craryville doesn’t look much different, but Kansas is flatter.
They said their area of New York was once more of an agricultural economy but now is mainly service businesses. Halvorsen said Craryville has become a bedroom community for New York City commuters.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
Announcements



: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:


 |
|
|
|
TOYOTA 2004 TACOMA PRERUNNER
Toyota, 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, TRD off road, double cab, V6, new tires, CD, bed liner, lid cover, 100,000 miles, excelle...>MORE
2001 FORD WINDSTAR SE
Sport, loaded, all options, great looking van, extra nice, $3200. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
1989 CHEVROLET STEPSIDE
350, V8, custom flames, runs great, $2500. 417-208-6717...>MORE
JEEP 2000 CHEROKEE SPORT
JEEP, 2000 Cherokee Sport, 6 1/2” lift, 35” foggers, locked front end, welded rear end, off road use, winch not included...>MORE
1998 CHEVROLET TRACKER
removable hard tops, automatic, air, CD, sharp, $2500. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
4 door, luxury leather trim, loaded, CD, sunroof, beautiful rig, extra nice, $4500. 1317 Schifferdecker...>MORE
1999 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED
4x4, leather loaded, $3500. 417-850-0731....>MORE
1993 CHEVROLET LONG BED
runs good, 4.3 V6, new transmission, needs body parts, $400. (417)438-2508...>MORE
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2 door, spoiler, sharp, loaded, automatic, air, CD, extra nice, $2600. 1317 Schifferdecker, Joplin....>MORE
2002 FORD TAURUS SE
nice car, 3.0 liter V6, $2900. 417-850-0731....>MORE
See all ads |
|
Deerfield Estates
in Carl Junction, prime building sites, reduced $10,000 each. 417-825-0052...>MORE
NEWER 3 BR/2 BA
Lots of upgrades and great location. $149,000 but all offers considered. 903 Katlin, Carl Junction. Pictures www.fsboloc...>MORE
See all ads |
|
POODLES
POODLES, standard pups, born 10/10, registered, shots, wormed, family raised. Adorable personalities! 417-673-3892....>MORE
ENGLISH BULLDOG PUPPY
male, AKC, fawn/white, champion bloodlines, $900 or best offer. (417)396-3340...>MORE
ANGUS HEIFERS
6 Augus heifers, good foundation stock. (417)358-7519...>MORE
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES
INDIAN HEAD PENNIES, 35% Civil War II nickels, V nickels, Buffalo nickels, lots of other coins. Garage full of antiques ...>MORE
5TH WHEEL
5TH WHEEL, 2004 Prowler Regal, 26’, 2 slides, loaded, nice. (620)674-2127....>MORE
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE
Pear-shaped, one carat, diamond solitaire in gold setting. $2,000. Please call 417-825-3238...>MORE
REWARD $50,000 REWARD
Offered for any information leading to conviction of any person or persons known to have been involved in alleged ...>MORE
YORKIES
12 weeks old, 2 males, AKC, 1st shots, $175. 417-291-6590, Webb City...>MORE
NEW IN BOX
New in box, Lucchese cowboy boots, black, size 9D, $200. (620)231-9256...>MORE
POODLE, FULL BLOODED
POODLE, full blooded, $75 or best offer. (417)385-8710 after 4:30 p.m....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|