1. WNC LASER 2011-2014 WNC School Systems

2.  Increase students’ interest in STEM  Improve academic achievement related to STEM  Increase community support for STEM in schools  Increase school system awareness of local STEM careers Short Term Goals

3. Long Term Outcomes  Increase enrollment in advanced STEM courses  Improve science performance across WNC to above state and national averages

4. Long Term Goals  Encourage development of life-long science learners  Develop kit repository in WNC in conjunction with sustainable funding for school systems

5. Activities for WNC LASER  Professional development for participants 4 th -8 th grade from Center for Inquiry Based Learning from Durham, NC  Kits will be distributed after training to participants  NC State Science House’s Michelle Benigno will provide support to teachers during the school year. Further professional development and individual support included.  Administrative training included so they have an understanding of content and instruction.

6. 2012-2013 Activities  July 31 10:00-3:00 Friday Center Meeting at WRESA for LASER leadership team  Participant Training Oct. 8,9, and 10 at WRESA Registration will be on WRESA website in August  District level leaders meetings: September 27 @ Fall Leadership Meeting Oct. 18 @curriculum council January 17 @ curriculum council March 21 @ curriculum council