WHAT IS A STEM SCHOOL? The National Inventors Hall of Fame ® School…Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Learning

2004 Spring 2004 Partner Governing Boards and Councils approve development of Science, Mathematics and Technology Community Learning Center Concept… Spring 2004 Subcommittees convene…Partne r representatives on each committee… Summer 2004 Research Committee begins site visits… December 2004 Funding proposal to Ohio Schools Facilities Commission (OSFC)! March 2004 Potential Partner Meeting… Timeline

Partners Executive Committee Project Management FacilityLegal Technology Operations FundingCurriculum Communication Research Planning Committees

Facts  Fall 2009: School opening at 400 West Market with around 210 fifth and sixth grade students The program will serve students of all ability levels.  August 2010: School is housed within the National Inventors Hall of Fame facility in new and renovated technology driven space.  : School is at full capacity with roughly 400 students in grades 5- 8 from Akron Public Schools and schools in the region.  The school is a Professional Development School for The University of Akron College of Education undergraduate and graduate programs

Partnerships History of Innovation Vision Economic Development Goodyear Polymer Center-The University of Akron

Characteristics  Innovation and invention highly prized in all student engagement  A culture of questioning, creativity and possibility  Rigor is defined using benchmarking of design process with student outcomes  Testing of students through performance based assessments  Teachers have thorough know of the subject and how students learn  All professional development for teachers yearlong would using classroom materials, integrate STEM across the curriculum and is constructivist in nature (Horizon Research NSF, 2006)  Compliant in state testing and standards as the floor not the ceiling  Administrative decisions data driven within the mission of the STEM Academy Janice S. Morrison, TIES (2006)

 Ability to impact more students and keep them in the “pipeline” of STEM education  Build readiness for a STEM high school program to augment learning and readiness for college and other postsecondary programs  Work with parents about the importance of postsecondary education and the importance of the STEM areas

Our Core Values: Innovation: Creation rising from thought, study and experimentation Inquiry: Seeking information by asking questions, exploring and investigating Inspiration: Igniting ambition and creativity in ourselves and others Integrity: Truth, honor and trust: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching Imagination: The ability to use the creative power of the mind

At the Akron STEM School, problem-based learning (PBL) is a foundation in the curriculum. To ensure its effectiveness for both learners and learning coaches, each PBL activity meets several standards. Problem-based learning activities integrate several content areas. Learners work with community experts to solve problems. The materials covered include the Ohio Content Standards. Learning coaches meet with the program specialist to plan and monitor status of projects.

Student Success High Performance Standards Leadership Knowledgeable and Skilled Educators Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Environment for Learning Family, Community and School Partners Student as Learner Systems for Sustainable Operations Learning Organization School Design

Core Knowledge Science Mathematics Digital Technologies Engineering English, Reading or Language Arts Social Studies (Economics, Geography, History, Government & Civics) World Language Fine Arts (Music, Visual) Physical Education, Health Student Outcomes

General  OAT Scores  OGT Scores  Attendance Rates  Standardized Test Scores  Graduation Rate  Average SAT Scores  AP Participation & Achievement  Cost per learner  Serious Incident Reports  Educator turnover/attendance Differentiators  Achievement of 21st Century knowledge, skills and literacy  Educators satisfaction survey  Customer satisfaction survey  Community/parent Participation  % Applying to college  % Accepted to 1st or 2nd choice institutions  Formal research experience  Electronic Portfolios  Performance Assessments

Nationally recognized leader in teaching creativity Featured in Newsweek - Summer 2010 Featured on AC 360/Perry’s Principles - Fall 2010 Presentations given at national and local education and technology conferences Featured in a 5-day front page series in the Akron Beacon Journal Nationally recognized leader in teaching creativity Featured in Newsweek - Summer 2010 Featured on AC 360/Perry’s Principles - Fall 2010 Presentations given at national and local education and technology conferences Featured in a 5-day front page series in the Akron Beacon Journal

Questions or Comments?