The New Tech Network (NTN) announced this week that Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy was once again selected as a National Demonstration Site in the NTN.

The NTN said Niles New Tech epitomized the best example of the New Tech mission — to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Niles New Tech has been selected to serve as a National Demonstration Site.

“These schools have achieved a very high honor,” said NTN President Lydia Dobyns. “We consider them exemplary schools within the New Tech Network. They have shown enormous dedication to the key aspects that make a great New Tech school as is evidenced by the students.”

To receive this distinction, Niles New Tech achieved many notable accomplishments, including developing a clear set of student learning outcomes consistent with skills required to succeed in college, career or civic life. These include content mastery tied to state standards as well as work ethic/collaboration, critical thinking and oral and written communication.

All courses must demonstrate rigorous and relevant Project-Based Learning (PBL) to amplify deeper learning while engaging students in the classroom. The deep integration and use of technology must be present in all classrooms.

Finally, a school culture that establishes students at the center, built on trust, respect and responsibility must be evident throughout the school.

Now in its fifth year, Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy opened in the fall of 2011 with its first class of freshman.

Director Jerry Holtgren detailed the steps his school has taken to achieve NTN Demonstration site status.

“For the past four and a half years, our goal has been to produce introspective, independent, academically prepared, contributing members of society,” said Holtgren. “Our designation as a demonstration site, along with other indicators, affirms that we are achieving this goal. We look forward to playing a part in the training of future New Tech teachers and helping grow project-based learning in our country.”