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Aiken County Public Schools’ Middle School STEM Initiative

Aiken County Public Schools’ Middle School STEM Initiative. April 15, 2014. A School-Wide STEM Initiative Provides….

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Aiken County Public Schools’ Middle School STEM Initiative

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  1. Aiken County Public Schools’Middle School STEM Initiative April 15, 2014

  2. A School-Wide STEM Initiative Provides… A rigorous, innovative and comprehensive curriculum that culminates with students applying real-world application of their STEM education with hands-on activities, leading to success in a global society.

  3. A School-Wide STEM Initiative is… • Standards-Based • Aligned K-12 • Integrated, Real World • Includes 21st Century Skills and Technology • Promotes Civic Responsibility

  4. A School-Wide STEM Initiative Requires… • A high level of readiness and interest among all stakeholders. • Embedded STEM curriculum in all subjects, integrating 21st century skills and technology. • Teachers with high capacity to teach in their discipline and willingness to collaborate with other teachers in other disciplines. • On-going professional development. • Adequate staffing at the school level. • Adequate instructional and planning times. • STEM work-based learning experiences. • Business and community partnerships for mentorship, internship and other STEM opportunities that extend the classroom walls. • Strong connections with postsecondary education. • Appropriate space, equipment, and technology. • District – level STEM expert

  5. A School-Wide STEM Initiative Can Lead to… • An increase in: • The number of students who pursue advance degrees and careers in STEM fields. • The STEM-capable workforce. • STEM literacy for all students. • Rigorous instruction for all students. • Achievement test scores. • The graduation rate. • Attendance at lower enrolled schools.

  6. A School-Wide Initiative Can Be… A Magnet STEM School • Application process for staff and students • Students regularly design and conduct scientific research, using the engineering design process in all courses. An Inclusive STEM School • Students have opportunities to learn science, math, and engineering by addressing problems that have real-world applications. A Comprehensive STEM School • Students use engineering as a way to make content relevant, and rely heavily on technology as a tool for engaging in scientific practices.

  7. To Determine Feasibility … 2013-2014 • Examined available resources, including: *Computer/Science/Synergistic Labs *Partnerships *1 to 1 Computing *Project Lead the Way *Staffing • Determined staff expertise/experience. • Conducted walk-throughs and lead discussions with administration.

  8. Findings… • Each middle school possessed some of the requirements of a STEM School, but none were ready to be classified as STEM Magnet or STEM Inclusive School. • There was a need for a clearer understanding of STEM education.

  9. Building the Foundation… 2013-2014 Provide training opportunities: • STEM Forward Grant – A 3-year partnership with USCA and Aiken Tech that was initiated in Summer 2013. Includes 12 sessions and a summer institute with 17 middle school teachers participating. • SC 2 STEM Next Steps Conference – District staff and administration from JMS, NEMS, PKMS, and the Career Center attended. • MMGW STEM Training – 55 teachers and 11 administrators participated in a 6 day training. • SC Middle School Association Conference – 5 middle schools participated. • Waste Management Symposium, Phoenix, Arizona – 3 teachers attended this conference and will present their finding to the STEM teams in May. • School Visits to established STEM Magnet schools in SC – 1 school has visited with plans for others to visit in 2014-2015.

  10. Moving Forward… 2014-2015 • Implement the Aiken County Career and Technology Center STEM Middle School Initiative at 4 middle schools presented by Brooks Smith at an earlier Board meeting. • Implement Pilot Projects to be determined in May 2014. *Grade-Level Initiatives *Exploratory Classes *Clubs *Afterschool Program 3. Continue to create STEM lessons/projects. 4. Survey parents/community to determine interest/support. 5. Create partnerships among businesses, industries. • Research and visit other STEM schools in SC, NC, and GA. • Develop Attribute Rubric to determine Aiken County Public School STEM certification. • Continue professional development.

  11. Meeting Our Goal… 2015-2016: Develop STEM Sites • Using the Attribute Rubric, determine site(s) that show promise for School-Wide STEM models. 2. Seek adequate funding for: *Computer, Science, CADD Labs *Student Tablets or comparable devices *Facility Upgrades *Adequate staff at district and school levels *Staff training *Field Experiences for Students *Materials/Equipment • Recruit STEM staff to fill instructional gaps. • Establish and implement direction for community/business partnerships • Enhance STEM initiatives at all middle schools.

  12. Questions

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