History of the MBC
The creation of the District 49 Media Broadcast Center (MBC) was designed to address the deficiencies in the high school model and is a combination of other successful school models. At the foundation of the D49 MBC is the small school or school within a school design so the students have more contact with their instructors. By incorporating a variety of programs through the use of multimedia, a critical skill for the 21st century, our goal is to reach every student regardless of learning style or skill level. Sand Creek High School is the oldest high school in the district serving over 2000 low-income students. Our current ability to reach students through technology is limited to Project Lead the Way, a computer based engineering program that is moving to the district’s new high school next year. The D49 MBC provides an engineering component for the students who are passionate about this field. By studying the fundamentals of audio design, propagation and physics, our students will have a chance to apply their skills. We will also be giving students an immediate look at how they can use their skills learned in high school out in the global economy.
Research has shown that the more connections students make between their courses, the more meaningful it becomes. Traditionally Sand Creek High School implemented programs that focused on increasing critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills by modifying curriculum in the core areas to bolster student achievement. Identifying areas that need improvement in the elective course areas have also followed this pattern. This type of reflective refinement is critical in all areas of teaching; however, it comes at the cost of cross-curricular connections.Perhaps the most exciting course that will prepare students for the future is the podcasting course. Here students will be synthesizing topics, themes, history, and current events into a multimedia presentation to be delivered in their core classes. This course will be the critical link for students that brings together all of the concepts learned in every course. The closest model of success would be the Breakthrough Collaborative, an immensely successful program with locations across the U.S. that fosters students to become teachers. With our podcasting course we can focus on students who need to make the connection between courses yet lack the motivation to perform up to ability in their core courses.
Sand Creek High School is at the vital time in our history where we can move forward or be left behind as the “other” school. As teachers, we are excited about this time and the challenges that we will overcome in the years to come. We are a staff of dedicated professionals who are seeking out every research-based model to better both ourselves and the students of the global economy in the 21st century.