TALLADEGA COUNTY — The Talladega County School District welcomed back its teachers and staff from summer vacation for this year’s institute program Thursday morning, held at B.B. Comer High School.

After completing its first, fully-involved year in the project-based learning program, Winterboro High School students were the focus of this year’s show.

“The 21st century student is demanding change in our classrooms because of their ability to gather information faster than any previous generation,” Superintendent Suzanne Lacey said.

“To make authentic connections with students, we must change our strategies to include project-based learning and technology to fit the new age of students in order for them to successfully manage the complexity and diversity of their world,” she said.

The students discussed the effect project-based learning has had on their educational experience, including improvement in teamwork and collaboration, communication, comfort with technology and how project-based learning has allowed them to take more ownership of their education.

Lacey said Winterboro classrooms have been converted to learning suites with computers for each student. Students and teachers also stay connected in new ways such as social networking, web logs and wikis.

It is more important now than ever to keep students engaged in their school work in an increasingly competitive international environment, she added.

“In order for our students to be competitive with students from around the world, it is necessary for them to have opportunities to think critically, analyze information and work in teams,” Lacey said. “Plus, the U.S. is falling behind in math and science achievement when compared to other countries. The nature of work and the workforce is changing.”

Besides the information on project-based learning, several school district employees were recognized for their good work over the last school year.

Corine Woods was recognized as Secondary Teacher of the Year at Talladega County Central High, Fayetteville High teacher Robbie Stewart as Middle School Teacher of the Year and Debra Armstrong as Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Nancy Champion of Fayetteville High School was named Support Employee of the Year.

Childersburg High School’s Esther McKinney was also recognized for her win in the State School Nutrition Association’s “Heart of the Program Award.”

The B.B. Comer Jazz Ensemble provided background music before the beginning of the program. After the main program, staff in attendance had breakout sessions on several subjects.

Contact Brandon Fincher at bfincher@dailyhome.com.