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

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.

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

A School-Wide STEM Initiative Requires… A high level of readiness and interest among all stakeholders. Embedded STEM curriculum in all subjects, integrating 21 st 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

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.

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.

To Determine Feasibility … Examined available resources, including: *Computer/Science/Synergistic Labs *Partnerships *1 to 1 Computing *Project Lead the Way *Staffing 2.Determined staff expertise/experience. 3.Conducted walk-throughs and lead discussions with administration.

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.

Building the Foundation… Provide training opportunities: STEM Forward Grant – A 3-year partnership with USCA and Aiken Tech that was initiated in Summer 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

Moving Forward… 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. 2.Implement Pilot Projects to be determined in May *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. 6.Research and visit other STEM schools in SC, NC, and GA. 7.Develop Attribute Rubric to determine Aiken County Public School STEM certification. 8.Continue professional development.

Meeting Our Goal… : Develop STEM Sites 1.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 3.Recruit STEM staff to fill instructional gaps. 4.Establish and implement direction for community/business partnerships 5.Enhance STEM initiatives at all middle schools.

Questions