| High School of Telecommunication Arts & Technology
Brooklyn, New York
If asked to design a high school to prepare students for the millennium, that is, a school which integrates the classic liberal arts with an awareness of the technological revolution which characterized the past several decades, a school which reflects and celebrates the global village, you would undoubtedly propose a model very similar to the High school of Telecommunication Arts and Technology (HSTAT) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York.
HSTAT is an urban school serving the diverse population which characterizes the surrounding areas of Brooklyn; the students trace their ethnic roots to Puerto Rico, the Dominican republic, Haiti, Russia, Ireland, various Arab nations and more. The flavor is global with an emphasis on tolerance, understanding, cooperation and mutual respect. The active Conflict Resolution program, the bilingual poetry journal (Doble Imagen), the leadership training class, and multi-cultural festivals are just a few examples of the school-wide celebration of diversity.
| "The flavor is global with an emphasis on tolerance, understanding, cooperation and mutual respect." |
STAT is small compared to most New York City high schools. With approximately 1,000 students, HSTAT encourages students to cherish their individuality and flourish as unique learners. Because teachers know students, and appreciate that each is an amalgam of strengths and maturing interests, students are offered a customized menu of educational and extracurricular experiences. Among the many opportunities offered to students is the Independent Study Program which offers academic credit for individualized study in academic disciplines. The Cooperative Education Program provides paid work-world experiences. The Teacher Assistant Program combines community service and work experience in a tutoring link with local elementary schools. The Executive Internship Program has allowed many students to serve as interns to executive sponsors in government and private industry.
HSTAT is a pioneer in the Integrated Settings Initiative. Special Education students are full participants in regular classroom academics in most classes. In a unique partnership with the GAP, regular and special education students designed, built, stocked and ran a school store which fills the staple and gift needs of the HSTAT community.
HSTAT is recognized as a model program for global education by the Rockefeller Foundation. The Humanities Program links English and Social Studies classes. Teacher teams plan together emphasizing group problem-solving, discussion and debate skills, research techniques, and writing mastery.
HSTAT offers a rigorous math and science curriculum: Regents biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science; mathematics through pre-calculus; and advanced computer programming. In addition, the school boasts a fully functional weather station with a satellite linkup capable of downloading extremely sophisticated weather maps.
| "Special Education students are full participants in regular classroom academics in most classes." |
HSTAT is on the forefront of using technology as a tool to support academic achievement. All ninth grade Humanity classes are linked with a technology class, where students learn keyboarding and basics of Internet access. In the Library/Multimedia Center an extensive book, journal, and magazine collection is supplemented by computer research facilities, microfilms, Internet access, E-mail, and a inter-share book system with other libraries. Some other outstanding innovations are: an Art History class centering around Internet museum tours and downloaded art; ongoing conversations with technology students in Poland and South Africa; the operation and maintenance of LASER NET, HSTAT's electronic bulletin board system.
HSTAT has an exceptional record of college acceptance and a thriving college preparation agenda. The Advanced Placement Program allows students to receive college credit for courses taken in high school. All juniors and most sophomores take PSAT exams, and SAT preparation is offered. The College Early Intervention Program, a linkage with the College of Staten Island, prepares special education students and post-secondary education. COLLEGE NOW, a linkage with Kingsborough Community College, allows students to earn up to eight free college credits in their senior year.
HSTAT offers extracurricular programs in dance, drama, and varsity sports. Many club activities are shared with teachers: the Great Books Club, community service projects, fundraising car washes, drama performances.
The fact that the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology has been selected to participate in three initiatives - The Standards Research Development Program, Tech Prep, and The Urban Systematic Technology Program - serves to validate that HSTAT is a school of excellence for all students.
Description by High School of Telecommunication Arts, Fall, 1998 |
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