Woodward Public Schools: Pioneering the Next Generation

Woodward Public Schools leads the way as pioneers in both spirit and education. They strive to create an innovative and unique approach that helps students excel in school and prepare for the workforce. To achieve this, they implemented the Technical Applications Program (TAP), which allows students to explore various career options and bridge the skills gap needed for success in the real world. Partnering with High Plains Technology Center (HPTC), TAP provides hands-on experience in multiple skill sets, equipping students with essential leadership skills and practical experience.

Trailblazing Through Technology

TAP’s goal is to employ a project-based, hands-on approach to close the skills gap in student learning, focusing on strengthening and improving students’ soft skills, thereby preparing them to be leaders, effective public speakers, and overall good citizens.

The TAP vision is to create a learning environment that encompasses application and the ‘why’ of learning—combining a sense of pride and ownership in their work, allowing students to flourish in their educational experience.

Through TAP, Woodward Public Schools offer a wide range of projects for students to engage in, including construction trades, automotive technology, multimedia, welding technology, wind energy, service careers, health careers, business and marketing, diesel technology, and practical nursing. This variety is made possible through educational technology.

“Students focus on construction trades, automotive technology, multimedia, and service careers, among others. With the high volume of students and the cost of materials, educational technology is used to introduce students to a variety of career paths,” said Danna Goss, Technical Applications Program teacher.

Innovation in Action

One key factor in TAP’s success is the focus on educational technology. Students now have access to innovative tools, including welding simulators, virtual health labs, and immersive 2D

and 3D spaces, which bring real-world skills to life. These technologies not only reduce material cost but also expand the type of projects students can explore, helping them discover new career paths while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.

Since integrating the program into Woodward schools in the fall of 2017, they have successfully reached a wide range of students. Now serving 405 students annually, the program attracts participants from Fort Supply, Woodward, Mooreland, Shannon-Mutual, Buffalo, and even home-schooled students. Through a strong partnership between High Plains Technology Center and the surrounding districts, they can collaborate effectively for the benefit of all students.

TAP maintains an advisory board composed of business and industry leaders who ensure that coursework stays aligned with current workforce demands.

Strength in Collaboration

In addition to their partnership with High Plains, the school’s collaboration plays a key role in keeping their programs relevant and aligned with current needs. Goss describes it as, “an outstanding relationship that consistently prioritizes students’ needs. Our districts work together to engage student learning and improve academic performance, along with meeting the needs of business and industry.”

Woodward Public Schools has also benefited from a long-standing partnership with OneNet, which has provided internet connectivity to the school since 1997. This 25-year-plus relationship has played a crucial role in supporting TAP’s growth and ability to innovate.

“OneNet’s support and reliability have allowed TAP to continue to grow and incorporate a wide variety of career and technical educational experiences for students,” Goss said.

With increased bandwidth— from T-1 lines in the 1990s to 10G connections today, students and teachers can now engage in faster, more i

nteractive, and collaborative projects than ever before.

“The great partnerships that we have allow us to be progressive in our approach to learning in career and technical education,” said Goss.

“When schools invest in innovation, OneNet is here to ensure their vision is supported, connected, and ready for the future,” said John Hennessey, vice chancellor for Information Technology and OneNet. “As Oklahoma’s partner in education, OneNet values collaboration,

like the one with Woodward Public Schools, that directly supports student opportunity and growth.”

Looking Forward to the Future

Woodward Public Schools plans to continue ensuring that educational experiences remain relevant to the evolving needs of the region’s businesses and industries. The district is committed to developing students’ skills and better preparing them for the workforce.

TAP represents the heart of the school’s mission: to inspire, innovate, and empower students to achieve success in every field they pursue. Through collaboration, technology, and a shared vision for the future, Woodward Public Schools continues to pioneer new paths in education and success.