Visiting Teachers Amazed By Math Skills of Tech Students

Lynn Sloan works with Oxford High student Bianca Thompson.

You’ve heart the myths about vocational school and students. They’re not as smart as the college prep kids — they’re the kids who get in trouble and have to learn a trade. Lynn Sloan a counselor with the Oxford School District says those misinformed people need to spend just one day at the Oxford-Lafayette School of Applied technology, locally known as The Tech.

“Our students here have a choice of college track or career path programs,” explained Sloan, who hosted Hottytoddy.com for a special open house at the facility last week. Math teachers from the Mississippi counties of Saltillo, Grenada and Lafayette were on hand to learn from Tech students and facilitators from the Ole Miss Center for Mathematical and Science Education. The Ole Miss educators collaborate on the program with Oxford School District,

Becky Nance of Ole Miss’ CMSE talks to student Taylor Lundgren.

“The people here for the workshop have been blown away by the quality of our students and their skill applying math principles to real-world problems,” Sloan said. “We’re all proud of this program, which prepares students for great jobs in business, education, agriculture, the military and health care. It’s important to note that our college track programs — The teacher Academy, and our Health Sciences curriculum — put our students right at the top of admission lists for top colleges. They also earn three hours of college credit.”

Teacher Academy students told Hottytoddy.com that the program, which they attend at the Tech campus off Highway 7 three days a week, is preparing them well to be classroom teachers. “I love the fact that I get one-on-one attention from my teachers here,” said Bianca Thompson, an Oxford High School student.

Math teacher Marie Lane, from Grenada Upper Elementary, was impressed with the student’s math skills. “It was informative to see how math is used in so many modern careers,” she said. “I hope to take what I’m learning here back to the classroom to motivate my students.”

CME facilitators and math teachers observe a Tech classroom.

Besides teaching and health care, Tech students get intensive exposure to career-oriented training including Agricultural Power and Machinery, Construction and Carpentry, Automotive Service Technology and Metal Fabrication. Sloan says the Tech has an excellent record of preparing these students for good-paying, critical jobs in a tough economy.

Whatever the career goal, math skills are crucial, Sloan adds. “We’re exposing our students and the entire community to what well managed, effective vocational education can mean to a growing economic pie,” Sloan said. “Our students are using algebra, calculus, modern metrics and computer technology every day in practical ways. That’s the way of the world.”

Story and photos by Andy Knef, Managing Editor, Hottytoddy.com