Business & Technology department
PHILOSOPHY OF THE BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
Business and technology are a part of the life of every individual; in fact, business and technology is a part of life itself. Intelligent citizenship in the world today and that of tomorrow demands business and technology knowledge and understanding. Consumer problems of today are complex and the need for every citizen to understand and meet them effectively has increased greatly. Therefore, business and technology education is an essential part of the general education of everyone. The Business and Instructional Technology Department feels that the student, while in high school, can develop a substantial business and technology background for advanced training in the future. In addition, the acquisition of these marketable skills will provide the student the opportunity to enter the workforce following high school. This philosophy is the guideline by which courses and curricula are offered and taught at East Longmeadow High School.
PHILOSOPHY OF TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
A central role of an educational institution is to offer a curriculum that provides its students basic understanding of the society in which they live. Our society today is both democratic and highly technological; to a greater extent than ever before, our lives are influenced by technology and technological systems. This demands that all citizens gain a measure of technological literacy. Technology-Engineering is the study of designed solutions to practical problems. Our courses place an emphasis on technology-engineering concepts through hands-on activities. These experiences should be a part of the education of all students at all grade levels and abilities, in order that they may understand, function in, and control their technological environment. Our course activities promote an awareness of industry and enterprise, and help learners discover their talents and abilities in the areas of technology, innovation, design, and engineering. Technology-engineering education enables the future scientist, designer, architect, and engineer to gain experience in solving technical problems. It provides technical and technological skills and knowledge basic to most occupations and professions. Our activities reinforce the core academic curriculum and help develop an interest in the materials, products, and processes of the human-made world. We strive to foster problem-solving, creative thinking, and character improvement. We encourage all students to gain an understanding of abstract ideas and concepts through concrete experiences that feature actual involvement with tools, machines, and materials.
