"Geometry Class"
The 2007-2008 school year marks the third year of TechQuest at Smyth Career & Technology Center.
Chuck Blevins, TechQuest Instructor
Mr. Blevins holds a B.S. Degree in Organizational Management and a M.S. Degree in Education from Old Dominion University. He is licensed to teach students in grades K-12, with endorsements in Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional/Behaviorial Disorders, and Mental Disabilities. This is his sixth year as a teacher in Smyth County Schools.
Rick Hatfield, Instructional Assistant
Mr. Hatfield holds a B.A. Degree in Education from Emory and Henry College. He is licensed to teach students in K-12, with endorsements in Health/Physical Education and Driver's Education. Mr. Hatfield has worked in the Smyth County School system for fourteen years.
| Best time to contact us by phone: | Between 8:15am & 8:45am and from 3:00pm to 3:45pm at 276-646-8117 |
| E-mail addresses: | chuckblevins@scsb.org or rickhatfield@scsb.org |
| First Block: TechQuest Classroom | Biology, Part I |
| Second Block: TechQuest Classroom | Algebra I, Part I |
| Second Block: Resource Classroom/Soccer Field | Health/P.E./Driver's Ed. |
| Third Block: TechQuest Classroom | English/Literature |
| Fourth Block: TechQuest Classroom | U. S. History, Part I |
"The secret to joy in work is contained in one word--excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."
Pearl S. Buck
"Geometry Class"
"Mr. Hatfield in Action!"
Tech Quest is an educational program option at Smyth Career & Technology Center for certain secondary students who have Individualized Education Plans and are pursuing a Modified Standard high school diploma. The program is designed primarily for underclassmen who are not experiencing academic success in a regular high school setting, usually after their freshmen or sophomore year. Tech Quest offers students the opportunity to explore and participate in vocational training while completing their academic courses. Students are encouraged to achieve two-year completer status in a Career and Technical Education program while at Tech Quest in order to meet the elective requirements of the Modified Standard Diploma.
Unlike some alternative programs, Tech Quest is not designed to serve as a placement for students with behavioral or disciplinary concerns, but rather as an opportunity for students to experience academic success and meet attendance guidelines in a less distracting setting. Students may be admitted to Tech Quest through an application process with permission of their parent(s)/guardian(s), and based on the recommendations of their high school guidance counselors, special education teachers, high school administration, SCTC administration, and approval of the Director of Special Education.
Academic course schedules vary by year and semester, and are determined at the beginning of each academic year by the needs of the students enrolled in the program at that time. The courses include: Algebra I part I, Geometry part I, Personal Finance, Biology part I, Earth Science part I, U.S. & Virginia History part I, U.S. & Virginia Government, English 9, 10, & 12, Literature/Creative Writing, and Physical Education/Health 9 & 10. Remedial courses in math and language arts are offered as necessary to prepare students to meet the math and literacy requirements of the Modified Standard Diploma.
Courses available to Tech Quest students either as exploratory or half-day vocational classes include: Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision Repair, Building Trades, Computer Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Electricity, Nurse's Aide, Precision Machine Technology, and Welding. Note: Some of these course offerings may have specific admission requirements.