Cheney Tech Statement of Philosophy and Goals and Objectives

Howell Cheney Technical School is one of seventeen technical high schools financed and operated by the Connecticut State Department of Education and administered by the Technical High School System.

The guiding principles of Howell Cheney Technical High School’s philosophy of education encompass the Mission Statement of the Technical School System. The function of technology education is to provide for a comprehensive and progressive program of learning applicable to a student’s chosen occupation and to provide the essentials for life long learning. Part of our school’s commitment to its students emphasizes the development of both individual and collaborative skills necessary to make significant contributions in an ever-changing global society. To achieve these goals, we employ a multi-faceted approach where academic pursuits are merged with occupational technologies.

By engaging our student population in this compilation of technology, critical thinking, academic studies, and an appreciation of the arts, we strive to empower these learners with traits necessary for success in the complex world of today and the future.

At Howell Cheney Technical High School we continue to believe that all students are unique, and by supplementing the curricula with developmental activities, significant opportunities are available to each individual so that students can maximize abilities. Along with the complement of athletic programs, our students participate in student government, Skills USA, National Honor Society, robotics, leadership workshops, diversity training, peer mediation, and other extracurricular activities. Our teaching staff has adopted a variety of interactive learning and teaching initiatives that promote thinking, writing, oral communication, collaborative work skills, and inquiry based technology learning. In accordance with the policy of the Connecticut State Board of Education, Howell Cheney Technical High School provides an equal opportunity for each student to fully participate in all established programs.

Our school’s fabric is woven into the community that we serve. While encouraging full involvement of our school community, we regard our commitment to local industry, civic organizations, the diverse populations we serve, and our prominent parental involvement as hallmarks of our program.

Goals and Objectives

Teaching and Learning

To provide an educational program based on current and future needs of industrial technologies and to provide individual skills that result in flexibility for continuing employment. (Trade/Technology Advisory Committees, labor market surveys, Curriculum Steering Committees)

To engage students in a variety of activities that foster individual and collaborative skills. The employment of Writing Across the Curriculum, CAPT interactive activities, NOCTI development units, and current varied teaching strategies are embedded in academic and technology instruction. (School Improvement Plan, Technical School System initiatives, Professional Development plans)

To integrate general academic skills into the students’ technology program and technology experiences into General Education and Related Education classrooms. (Professional Development plans, Writing Across the Curriculum, Language Arts and Mathematics Literacy Labs, co-curricular initiatives)

To provide students with an exploration of all our technology offerings in a three-phase program. Phase one provides a two-day overview of each technology area. Phase Two is a more intense, four-day experience in three student-selected areas. After completing Phase Two, each student makes his/her final selection and is placed in a technology program for the rest of the freshmen year. (Guidance, Exploratory schedule, technology programs)

To develop an appreciation for the arts and literature, students are engaged in prescribed courses and/or provided with opportunities to participate in both the arts and literature through curricula or extracurricular activities. (Language arts classes, art program, club program, field trips)

To implement a cohesive program of instruction grounded in understanding and applying technologies, development of thinking and communication skills, and emphasizing individual as well as collaborative development. (Writing Across the Curriculum, CAPT, NOCTI, General and Related Education and technology curricula, library/media services)

To evaluate and adjust to the different learning styles of our student population to maximize the opportunities for success in academics, technologies, and the mandated standardized tests. (Workshops, No Child Left Behind, Professional Development plans, department conferencing, team meetings, Curriculum Day, etc.)