Selected Colorado Technology Education Programs.

Overview & Synopsis

The transition from industrial arts to technology education is a priority in Colorado. Millions of dollars have been and will be spent to renovate industrial arts facilities and laboratories. Four Colorado middle schools have exemplary technology education programs. The Eagle Crest Technology Education Laboratory is used for both middle and high school courses. Through modular learning techniques, instructors focus on student outcomes as a necessary component of each module. Eagle Crest programs offer students analytical thinking skills, arts and humanities, citizenship skills, communication skills, environmental awareness, family living skills, health awareness, mathematical skills, science and technology, knowledge, and work skills. Delta County Schools have four model middle school technology education laboratories that provide a positive example to statewide administrators. This program provides students an opportunity to explore the world of technology and how it affects their lives. Boltz Junior High School has provided leadership on the transition to technology education. Erie Middle and Senior Schools have adopted the Lab 2000 philosophy, a process ensuring proper in-service teacher education. Wood shops are being replaced in all four programs with computer-intensive laboratories where students can experiment with the modern technological systems of communication, transportation, design, and manufacturing. Students apply the knowledge they gain to computer-simulated and real products they design, test, and produce. (Descriptions and diagrams of laboratory facilities are included for most programs.) (NLA)