Regarding your Feb. 3 editorial "School rivals": Research Triangle High School (RTHS), a proposed charter school awaiting approval in March, has been dismayed by the public misunderstandings of its plans.
The N.C. Charter Advisory Council, established by the State Board of Education with a majority of gubernatorial appointees, delivered a recommendation for RTHS' approval as a new Fast Track school with a unanimous vote in December. Research Triangle High School has chosen the focus of driving innovation as its mission. RTHS plans to offer a unique high school experience to young people from across the Triangle who reflect the great diversity we have in our region in race, nationality, economic background and gender.
We are very specifically targeting students in the great middle of achievement - from those who may be a year behind to those who are a year ahead. Working with less than half of 1 percent of the teenage population of any county, the school will be developing and sharing innovations with teachers, students and schools across the state.
RTHS plans to open a school that uses the talent and resources of Research Triangle industry as a "living museum" for education, and blend that with local expertise in digital media. Students will learn from a blend of digital materials and hands-on experiences - "open sourcing" all that we will teach.
In-depth experiences with Triangle scientists, engineers and IT specialists will go online, for access by distant teachers and students. Rural and urban teachers will be invited for intense residencies, to learn side by side with our faculty. Educators and visitors will be hosted at workshops and seminars, both locally and virtually.
RTHS will be a place where a broad pool of students can learn in ways that are truly reflective of our 21st century workplace, sharing that learning across North Carolina.
Charter schools are unique options for families. And as students switch schools either for choice or family moves, school funding follows students wherever they enroll. At RTHS we are excited at the prospect of being another STEM option, for which there are huge waiting lists in all counties. But we can do more.
By working five to 10 years ahead, by being the first to take a chance on innovations, charter schools can move the needle on achievement for all children and young people in our entire public education system. That is the mission we have at Research Triangle High School.
Pamela Blizzard
Executive Director
Contemporary Science Center
Research Triangle Park
The length limit on letters was waived to permit a fuller response.
