Roosevelt poised to try New Tech

As Calumet High School becomes a total New Tech building this fall, it has received accolades from the state superintendent of public instruction and fellow educators on Facebook.

The California-based New Tech Network was so impressed with the local high school's project-based form of study that it named Calumet a demonstration site for the nation. That means hundreds of visitors may visit the school to see its techniques. But Lake Ridge Community Schools leaders will be the first to say their work is just beginning.

Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley said she was elated they were able to get the school off probation through the cooperation of administrators, teachers and the School Board. She said that work will continue this school year.

Looking at the success of New Tech programs at Calumet and other parts of the state, Gary Community School Corp. Superintendent Myrtle Campbell said the district will implement New Tech for a select group of 100 freshmen at Gary Roosevelt Career and Technical Academy.