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School Partnerships K-12 Schools as Partners Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Office of Professional Field Services March 6, 2012. IMSA: Our Mission.
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School PartnershipsK-12 Schools as PartnersIllinois Mathematics and Science AcademyOffice of Professional Field ServicesMarch 6, 2012
IMSA: Our Mission The mission of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®, the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry, is to ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that advance the human condition, through a system distinguished by profound questions, collaborative relationships, personalized experiential learning, global networking, generative use of technology and pioneering outreach.
IMSA’s Two Legislative Charges Residential High School Program A world class high school powerhouse for inspiring, challenging and nurturing talented students who will use their exceptional abilities to improve people’s lives. Professional Field Services Provide research-based, practice proven programs to transform mathematics and science education across Illinois and beyond.
IMSA: a bit more about us…. • Founded in 1986 by Nobel Laureate, Dr. Leon Lederman and then Governor Jim Thompson • State Agency and part of the Illinois Board of Higher Education • Residential High School Program • Of the over 4000 IMSA graduates, 99% enroll in college with 2/3 earning degrees in science or math • Students take 2 Science and 2 Math courses each semester with over 80% of students participating in independent study, called Student Inquiry and Research. • Professional Field Services • STEM Academic Enrichment for Students grades 3-10 • Professional Development for Educators
IMSA Core Competency Design and implement teaching and learning experiences that are: • Competency-driven (rigorous) • Inquiry-based (student-centered) • Problem-centered (relevant) • Integrative (within and among disciplines)
What is STEM to IMSA? • Content: What are the facts? • Skill Development • Scientific Inquiry Skills • 21st Century Skills 3. Development of Learners to be confident “users of content” and “generators of their own knowledge”
IMSA’s Office of Professional Field Services • Statewide Student Initiatives • Statewide Educator Initiatives • IMSA FUSION • Problem-Based Learning Network (PBLN) • Field Office Collaborations
Our Partnership Goals • Develop collaborative and sustainable relationships with schools and districts around Illinois that allow us to provide services to support and enhance STEM education • Serve students who are under-resourced and under-represented in STEM
What makes our partnerships work? The Elements • Clear goals and deliverables: The MOU • Commitment of resources by the school and IMSA • Buy in from Administrators and Teachers • Regular communication (via phone and online tools) • IMSA staff visits and support • Programs that allow flexibility for school context and learners • Engaging parents in the program • “Perks”
IMSA School Partnership Programs • Problem Based Learning Network • Teaching Inquiry Pilot Program • FUSION
After-school STEM enrichment program for talented, motivated students—co-taught program math/science teachers • Middle level program (grades 6, 7, 8) • Late elementary program (grades 4-5 • Total of 103 programs at 81 schools throughout state of Illinois
Support and Sustaining the School Partnership with Professional Learning “I Do, We Do, You Do” Model of Professional Development • Face to face Professional Development for teachers and administrators • Practice activities and explanations as part of the PD • Support in delivering the content to the students. POP Symposiums • Educator Presentations • Administrative Discussions • New Content and Skill development for the individual teachers.
Challenges to Partnership with Schools • Change in leadership at schools and districts leading to change in focus • Lack of resources • School Culture on of “catching up” instead of “moving forward”
Outcomes of a Successful FUSION Partnership Evidence of a good partnerships: 81 schools statewide (103 programs), 97% are returning sites with 28% being in the program 5+years 185 educators, 71% returners, 21% 5+years Evidence of Impact of Program on Teachers: 94% reported increase in application of STEM concepts and integration Evidence of Impact of Program for Students: 2893 students, 62% low income, 56% URP High School Transcript Data Study
Thank you for your time!How to contact me for additional information…. Michelle Kolar mkolar@imsa.edu 630-907-5879