New York’s Tech Valley seems synonymous with the finalization of plans for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and its chip fabrication plant proposed for the Luther Forest Technology Park. However, New York’s Tech Valley includes much more than AMD: the Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, IBM, Sematech, Map Info, and more. Tech Valley also refers to the accompanying development of support and related businesses.

The JMT is currently engaged in collaborative action to ensure that all students gain the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century global economy.

Efforts to date have focused on raising the awareness of BOCES staff, component school district administrators, and teacher leaders to the very real need for educational change in the region.

The team will be moving into the implementation phase in September 2008. It will also be expanded to include three BOCES to the north.

History of the “Call to Action” Initiative

The Capital Region Joint Management Team, after reading and discussing “The World is Flat,” by Thomas Friedman, believes we, as educators, have a moral obligation to take a leadership role in preparing students for the 21st century global economy.

Beginning within each of our own BOCES and extending to our 93 component school districts, we will impart to our students the skills they need to succeed in today’s workplace, to ensure they are able to earn living wages and maintain America’s competitiveness as previous generations did.

The Joint Management Team has compiled Resources, attached below, to assist you in carrying out the Call to Action initiative in your own BOCES/district/building.