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STEM at the Academics and Career Center

Arlington Public Schools. STEM at the Academics and Career Center. A report of the ACI STEM Task Group to the School Board February 14, 2008. What is meant by STEM?.

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STEM at the Academics and Career Center

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  1. Arlington Public Schools STEM at the Academics and Career Center A report of the ACI STEM Task Group to the School Board February 14, 2008

  2. What is meant by STEM? • K-12 STEM literacyemphasizes problem solving (often in teams) and the ability to work across traditional borders among all disciplines and find measured yet creative solutions to problems. • Rigorous and relevant Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for STEM-related occupations that may or may not require a four-year or beyond college degree. • STEM high schoolsas an educational concept connotes a very specific Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum (while not ignoring other subject areas) with significant rigor for high-achieving students likely to go on to a four-year or beyond college degree. • Higher Education for STEM professionsthat typically require a Ph.D. in science, math, engineering or a related field.

  3. Task Group Definition of I-STEM An integrative STEM (I-STEM) program: • is interdisciplinary, using multiple subject areas to pursue knowledge or to find a solution to a complex problem; • draws from real-life problems and opportunities, which rarely fall into narrow disciplines; • by necessity will require inputs from various academic and practical areas.

  4. The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal Create at the Career Center an APS Academics and Careers Center (ACC) with an Integrative-STEM delivery model that will:

  5. The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal • Maintain the missions and character of the existing Career Center programs while enhancing the synergies between them. • House the present Arlington Mill and Langston High School Continuation Programs. • Expand high school opportunities to explore and develop career fields. • Integrate opportunities to acquire post-secondary education and/or training while still in high school initially through partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College and Virginia Tech.

  6. The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal • Provide alternative options to complete a high school education while enhancing life-long learning opportunities. • Afford opportunities for structured post-secondary experiences for all its students. • Provide adaptability to accommodate future trends.

  7. The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal: Components • Provide small learning communities that lead to a nurturing, supportive environment for learning • Provide acceleration opportunities for students • Provide increased rigor of CTE courses • Provide options for full-time and part-time students

  8. The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal: Components • Provide for emerging technologies in academic, career, and technical fields • Ensure support beyond academics for all its students • Provide flexibility in scheduling • Provide supportive social/emotional developmental and academic counseling • Provide individualized programs • Commit totally to success for all its students

  9. Task Group Recommendations • The ACC would be open to all APS high school students – no lottery • The ACC would have an expanded day to enhance opportunities for all students to enroll in ACC courses • The ACC would not supplant opportunities for Arlington students to attend TJHSST

  10. Task Group Recommendations • Co-location of the Arlington Mill and Langston High School Continuation programs should ensure the current nurturing, small-scale environment • Develop clear objectives and assessment tools • Communication among stakeholders • MS counselors, administrators, teachers • HS counselors, administrators, teachers • Students and Parents

  11. Comments from ACI February 13, 2008 • Vote: 24-0-7 in favor of accepting Task Group Report • Broad support for the concept - needed more detailed cost analysis • Important to maintain the strengths of the current Career Center and HS Continuation Programs • Evaluation is important and should inform future steps • Communication is key – Accurate, timely and responsive, among ALL stakeholders

  12. Comments from ACI February 13, 2008 • Continue to expand the I-STEM concept to the other Arlington schools • Wonderful for students with different learning styles • Great program, great addition to the county’s options for high school students • Consider options if ACC program becomes overcrowded and decisions have to be made on prioritizations

  13. Arlington Public Schools STEM at the Academics and Career Center A report of the ACI STEM Task Group to the School Board February 14, 2008

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