ELNORA — In an attempt to answer questions concerning the proposed 21st Century Learning curriculum at North Daviess High School, Principal Jed Jerrels and Superintendent Robert Bell invited members of the press to the school to discuss project-based learning.

Jerrels and Bell both said they thought the three public hearings held in the last few weeks had gone a long way to inform the parents and patrons of the school district of the advantages of the new curriculum. They were also concerned that the Amish of the school district understand the new curriculum would not interfere with their lifestyle.

’This is a cultural issue,’ Jerrels said of the Amish question. ’Several Amish addressed the issue, fearing students would be required to have the Internet at home. The answer is ’no.’’

Most Amish students graduate from the eighth grade, according to Jerrels, while a few remain in high school. Amish students in the elementary and junior high are already doing some project-based learning, and the computer use has not been a problem.

Bell wanted to make it clear that students will still have the choice of related arts classes as the two block classes will only take up two class periods. The student’s schedule will determine if the block class is in the morning or afternoon.

If the school board approves the curriculum change, the 2008-2009 school year will begin with the freshman class working in a project-based English-world studies class. Their other classes will include required subjects and electives of the student’s choice.

The program will increase over the next three years using projects included in the PBL program and projects designed by the teachers and students themselves.

’Our goal is to train every classroom teacher in seventh through 12 grade in project-based learning,’ Bell said.

The school system will pay $150,000 for the portal, which contains 200-plus projects if the school board approves the curriculum.

’These projects are tried, revised and used by teachers,’ Bell said. ’Portals are out there to help teachers in ninth through 12th grade.’

They will also spend $70,000 for training in the first year. Training in the second year will cost $60,000 and in the third year $40,000. Bell said the school has the money to implement the program but also plans to apply for grants. He said the Daviess County Economic Development Corp has pledged $50,000, half this year and half next. The state has also awarded the school corporation a $25,000 grant to help with the program.

Local industry is very interested in the new curriculum, according to Bell, and Hewlett-Packard has discussed setting up a model classroom at the school.

’We’re looking at hardware,’ Bell said as new computer hardware will be needed in some classrooms. He also said the school will look at putting computers out in the communities, such as at the Odon and Plainville libraries.

Several parents were concerned about the students’ grading other students portion of the program. Bell said the collaboration phase, in which students would have some input, is only 5 percent of a student’s grade and the portion graded by other students is less than 1 percent of that 5 percent.

’Over 70 percent of grades will still come from quizzes and tests,’ Bell said.