The purpose of this program is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of the applications of technology and its effect upon our lives and the choosing of an occupation. The content and activities will also include the study of safety, and leadership skills. This program focuses on transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the technological tools, machines, instruments, materials, processes and systems in business and industry.
The emphasis of this program is on developing awareness of future needs, developing technological competence, confidence and awareness through interaction with technologies, developing awareness of other career and technical programs, interacting with business, industry and community organizations, applying basic skills in learning activities, and developing self-awareness of individual abilities, needs and interests. The courses are intended to help students develop their problem-solving skills and creativity while learning about technology and careers. Students will learn to gather data through research and testing, as well as to document their results and processes.
The content includes introductory studies in areas of technology which introduce students to the development of abilities to calculate, make important observations, analyze and solve problems using manipulative skills while working cooperatively with others in team activities.
Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with technology equipment, tools and materials appropriate to the course content.
The Florida Technology Student Association (FL-TSA) is the appropriate Career and Technical Student Organization for providing leadership training experiences and reinforcing specific academic and career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations shall be an integral part of the career and technical instructional program. FL-TSA information can be obtained from the web site at <http://www.florida-tsa.net>. For information on the Technology Student Association on the national level visit their web site at <http://www.tsaweb.org>
Mr. W. Smith, Instructor
Mr. Smith began his teaching career at McNicol Middle School in Hollywood in 1981. In 1983 he started working in Miami-Dade County at Rockway Junior High School. He has been a member of the faculty at W.R. Thomas since the 1988 – 1989 school year, except for the 1997 - 1998 school year.
Mr. Smith’s school related activities include serving the Technology Student Association National Board of Directors as the Middle School Representative, serving on the planning committees for the two most recent held national conferences in Florida, 1994 and 2003. Mr. Smith also serves as an assistant superintendent at The Fair for the Technology Student Association Activities Division. This he was appointed to textbook adoption committee for Technology Education.
TSA
In 1989 Mr. Smith started a Technology Student Association chapter at W.R. Thomas. The chapter is still active to this day participating at every state conference since 1989’s Leadership Training Conference in DeLand and the 1990 State Conference and Competitions in Fort Lauderdale in April of 1990.
The W.R. Thomas TSA Chapter has received recognition on the local, state, and national levels for the work of the students. In 2001-2002 school year the chapter was the number one middle school in the state of Florida.