Montbello High School

Technology Innovations Academy

Capacities
Core teachers in English, Math, Science, and Social Sciences and in elective courses such as Web Design, Videography, Computerized Art, Business/Marketing and Medical/Biological Sciences
35 students (max) per class
6 periods per day maximum teacher load
1,200 students in the Core Magnet classes’ Maximum capacity does not include after school programs and clubs

Questions and Concerns
• Building rewired to meet the demands of the course offerings
• Technological training provided for the academy staff
• Grant obtained to assist in the technological and developmental needs of the students
• Courses offered to SPED students

Why the name Technology Innovations Academy
Principal Wilson continually states that “…whatever program we put forth, the kids must be able to actually accomplish…” As an example, if we say our students are learning video production technology the hype must pass the reality test.
The word “technology” refers to the technological aspect of the Magnet (e.g. the cameras, network, and computers used in the program). The word “innovation” refers to the act of introducing something new.
The way technology is used at Montebello High School is first the students learn current principles and themes (e.g. HTML, computer operation systems, programming, etc.) then develop innovations (new concepts) in the areas of design (gaming, web) science (biology, chemistry) and the visual/audio arts (audio engineering, video production, etc.) Courses in the areas of journalism, business, marketing, and scripting are addressed through technological specific pedagogy allowing the teachers to teach through
and not to technology in their core subjects. The word "academy" allows us to attract some of the best talent from within our school and throughout the metropolitan area as suggested by the Denver Plan.

What do we offer? Or why do we offer what we offer
Our course offerings reflect an adherence to district, state and national standards. They address the future skill sets the students need as they matriculate to college. The offerings concentrate on attainable inquiry, while exploring the far reaches of innovation through technology.
Our series of classes reflect a comprehensive integration of technology, visual arts, and core curriculum classes. The program allows for technological inclusion for all without sacrificing the marketable skill sets, which accompanies a dedicated program.

Our Model
Montebello is a professional learning community; it is who we are… not what we do. As such, our emphasis is on learning proven skill sets that will empower our students to remain marketable, technologically apt, matriculate to college and beyond. Our programs are similar to a small college campus where knowledge integrates and draws from multiple sources. Our student services, business/marketing, bio-tech, are not separate entities rather part of an overall learning community.

What do (or can) I learn
It depends on who you are and your desires. All students of our professional learning community must take a minimum of four core technological courses that align with the district objectives and address the Draft Confidential Page 2 4/1/2008 foundational areas of technology. Students seeking certification are required to take a minimum of seven to
nine courses depending on area of concentration. Concentration areas are:
• Web Programming (Web design and 3-D Animation)
• PC Programming/Gaming Design
• Pre-Engineering (computer, mechanical, electrical, and structural)
• Bio-Technology/ EMT
• Audio Engineering
• Videography Cinematography / Engineering
• Journalism
• Math/Science

Student Portfolio
• Transcript of current courses taken and projection of future course offerings
• Resume – detailing future goals and aspirations, Community work, Volunteer and other activities
• Projects completed in line with program focus
• Current copy of completed FASFA (Seniors)
• College application (Seniors)
• SAT/ACT Scores (Junior/Senior)

Classes to be offered
The first level of all the core courses and introductory to technology (Freshman and Sophomores / 2007- 2008 Juniors and Seniors)

Students Served
The projected population for the first year of the Technology Innovations Magnet is 475 with plans to grow to 675 in year 2007-2008 eventually reaching capacity in the 2009-2010 school year.