County schools implement new learning methods

By Megan R. Harrell
Star Staff
mharrell@starhq.com

   The Carter County School System is looking at ways to reach children and make a difference in their lives. They are doing so through a variety of new learning programs and partnerships.
   Carter County schools have partnered with East Tennessee State University in an attempt to bring opportunities to students. The ETSU Appalachian Youth Partnership promotes the university's involvement with adolescents. The ETSU staff works with Carter County school children to promote workplace skills and provide mentors.
   The Vision Quest program is one of the new programs being implemented as a result of the partnership. Vision Quest consists of a series of field trips designed to give students an awareness of the different job opportunities available in Northeast Tennessee. It combines a number of activities with interventions to help youth deal with potential problems. The program is designed to help children reach their dreams by making the future more accessible.
   Apart from the Vision Quest program, the Carter County Schools' Vocational System has recently partnered with the Computer Operations Technology program at the Tennessee Technology Center in order to provide instructors and students with the opportunity to obtain Information Technology (IT) certificates. IT instructors Melissa Arnett, Janet Dugger and Robin Smith work closely with Richard Woodard, TTC Computer Operations instructor.
   Students prepare for the examination in their respective schools and classrooms. Instructors prepare students for the exam through study methods and giving practice exams. The students then go to the TTC to take the actual exam. The TTC is a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) and IC3 licensed testing center.
   Range Elementary, a Title I school, has prepared a Reading Excellence Act Grant. The proposal if accepted will provide $300,000 to $400,000 for Kindergarten through third-grade reading programs, and reflects the need for a Literacy Leader position in the county schools as well as a Family Services Coordinator.
   Two vocational sites have been developed for Carter County vocational instructors in order to expedite communication and provide a monthly calendar of events, helpful educational links, and regular updates and announcements. Debbie Madgett, Vocational Technology Coordinator, maintains an additional site that instructor may go to in order to register for technology workshops, and access helpful links and information.
   Vocational Education, Special Education, and Regular Education have pooled resources to purchase a computer program called PLATO learning. This program will offer instruction, practice and assessment to assist students to master the state curriculum standards. It will meet the state requirements for redemption for those who were not successful during their Gateway exams.