STEM Academy Parent Information Agenda n n What

STEM Academy Parent Information

Agenda n n What is STEM? Why STEM? STEM Occupations STEM in Dickinson ISD Mission ¨ Vision ¨ Goals ¨ Instruction ¨ n Participation in the STEM Academy Criteria ¨ Application ¨ n n n Important Dates to Remember Questions Contacts

What is STEM? There is no universal definition of STEM, however experts generally agree that STEM workers use their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, or math to try to understand how the world works and to solve problems. ” Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Spring 2014

Why STEM? “The future of the economy is in STEM…” “That’s where the jobs of tomorrow will be. ” James Brown, Executive Director of STEM Education Coalition

STEM Occupations of Today and Tomorrow Management Computer and Mathematics Education, Training, and Library Life, Physical, and Social Sciences Architecture and Engineering Sales and Related Source: 2010 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System

STEM Occupations with Fastest Employment Growth 2012 -2022 Web Developers Actuaries Source: U. S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Employment Projections Program

STEM Academy Mission The mission of the STEM Academy is to increase student achievement by engaging students in innovative science, technology, engineering and math instruction. Vision The STEM Academy will provide a continuous pathway of education through opportunities that create STEM-literate graduates ready to accept the challenges of advanced education beyond high school to meet the needs of future workforce.

Student Goals • Gather information independently • Find connections between school and career • Conduct research and present their findings • Use the Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design Processes to guide their approach to problem solving

Student Goals, Cont. • Apply mathematical language and skills to solve real-world problems • Communicate effectively in writing • Self assess and reflect on learning • Participate in a variety of projects / competitions • Develop a set of learning habits that will guide students to be successful, lifelong learners

STEM Structure n Travel from class to class with other STEM students (four core content teachers) n Follow a modified schedule to allow for STEM enrichment n Gator Town video

Teachers will: • Create integrated project-based learning experiences • Assist students in meeting the learning goals in every class • Involve business and community members in the classroom • Accelerate math TEKS from both 5 th and 6 th grade

Instruction in Core Content Areas • Math - an emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking as related to real world situations • Science – provide opportunities for discovery and inquiry through experimentation and projects

Instruction in Core Content Areas • History - study historical research, documents, and artifacts to learn about cultures of the past • English - connect reading and writing to authentic real world applications through essays, collaborative discussions, and a variety of literary genres

Application Requirements Students must have: • Met standard on all parts of the latest state assessment at Level II Satisfactory or higher - for STAAR Reading and STAAR Math • Discipline record must not reflect out-of-school suspension and/or DAEP placement and averages of "S" or better in conduct • Attendance 97% for current school year • Yearly average of 85 (B) in each academic core courses

Next Steps 1. 2. 3. 4. Applications sent out on Feb. 6 th. Complete and turn in an application (to your school) by the deadline, Feb. 17. STEM writing prompt during school between Feb. 16 th-20 th. Students selected by April 21 st.

Contacts Lee Courville Director of Elementary Programs hcourville@dickinsonisd. org 281 -229 -6035 Kim Kelley Principal – Barber Middle School kkelley@dickinsonisd. org 281 -229 -6900