Mr. Clark Receives National Leaders in Learning Award

Terrence Clark, the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology, received the Leaders in Learning Award from the National Cable Telecommunications Association. Mr. Clark was among twelve recipients in the country and won in the Pushing the Envelope category for forming the Bethpage Academy of Technology.

Mr. Clark received the award at a Gala event held at the Smithsonian's Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the House Denny Hastert, several members of Congress and media personalities. The event was hosted by A&E's Bill Kurtis, the Food Network's Mark Summers and CNN's Wolf Blitzer who asked several questions before an audience of 350 invited guests.

The Bethpage Academy of Technology was recognized on the Cable in the Classroom website this way:

When the economic base of Bethpage, NY morphed from Cold War defense-industry to high-tech, Terrence Clark wanted students in his small school district to be a part of the profound change. He led the creation of Bethpage Academy of Technology, a high school curriculum providing students an opportunity to earn advanced diplomas in information technology or new media.

Through a powerful partnership with Cablevision, Clark was able to provide the Academy's students with a computer lab, staff training and other resources. Students also have the opportunity to learn from local corporations by going on guided tours of their operating centers, visiting graphic design houses to see the layout and production process, and touring television studios and labs, where they receive hands-on experience configuring the latest in networking equipment. The Bethpage School District now has one of the most sophisticated computer networks in the country.

"We prepare students with 21st century skills. We conduct videoconferences around the globe from 2nd grade on up, have heart monitors so students can chart their own physical education, and students continue their work at home by accessing our school network remotely."

In his remarks, Mr. Clark thanked Cablevision Systems for all their support for this project and others during the past eight years. "We really could not have done it without Cablevision. First, they provided us with our digital infrastructure- the fiber optics that connect the entire district. Next, the Power to Learn website at powertolearn.com contains dynamic K-12 educational content. Finally, Cablevision has been a great corporate partner and has provided our students with some unique learning opportunities like visiting Radio City Music Hall, attending the Republican National Convention and touring the network operating centers of Optimum Online and Rainbow Entertainment."

Earlier in the day Mr. Clark met with Congressman Peter King who congratulated him and the Bethpage Schools on this rigorous program.

Congratulations to Mr. Clark!