Lego FIRST League State Championships, 2011, Denver, CO.
Summit County STEM:
The Need, Vision, History, Mission, and Next Steps...
April, 2011
K. Grohusky
K. Johnson
B. Grohusky
H. Kuschnerus
L. Johnson
The Need, Vision, History, Mission, and Next Steps...
April, 2011
K. Grohusky
K. Johnson
B. Grohusky
H. Kuschnerus
L. Johnson
The Need:
“This is a pivotal time for the American educational system, given the
nation’s changing demographics, the workplace and economic realities of
increasing global competition and demands for STEM competencies and 21st century
skills.” 1
Visionary Description:
By 2022, Summit School District graduates will have participated in a K-12 STEM
education. Their education will have included using tools of technology,
developing fluency in the language of mathematics, and developing comprehensive
skills in science and engineering. The middle school and high school students of
2022 understand and value the rewards of studying STEM subjects. All students
believe STEM careers are viable options in their future. Recent graduates of our
district are realizing their maximum potential in a competitive global
marketplace. STEM will be sustainably supported by the community, partnering
organizations, and funders. Collaborative multi-agency partnerships will support
nationally-renowned Summit County STEM educational opportunities.
History
A small group of committed citizens began investigating the expansion of Science
and Math opportunities in December of 2010 by looking at the hands-on John
McConnell Center in Grand Junction. The group's research led them to investigate
other STEM possibilities for Summit County. Other Models include the newly
opened STEM Magnet school in Adams 12, the Denver School of Science and
Technology, and the regional approaches to STEM succeeding in Boise, ID and
Dayton, OH. In February of 2010, the group recruited more interested members and
met at Frisco Elementary to discuss the scope and vision of a Summit STEM
project. So far, there are over 50 parents, teachers, administrators, and agency
leaders involved in efforts to develop local STEM opportunities.
Mission
Developing Central Mountains STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning
opportunities to serve Summit County’s students. Starting with partnership and
collaboration, develop a STEM Center, provide teachers with professional
development, and expand the STEM Center to serve additional age groups and
geographic locations. Serve as a western slope model of excellence, then
statewide and potentially nationally.
Developing a Scope and Structure for STEM Opportunities
Next steps:
Possible Partners Meeting the school district’s needs and implementing multi-agency collaboration will bring the best results to any Summit County STEM project. In addition to a key partnership with the Summit School District, potential future partners include*: Considerations for possible partnership projects include curriculum development, shared facility space, fiscal sponsorship (rather than creating another local 501(c)3), and seed money to implement initial planning and secure sustainable funding. (*While all of these organizations are discussing ideas regarding Summit Stem
opportunities, it is important to clarify none are “official” partners as of 04/11.)
1
American Institutes of Research, “Center for STEM Education and Innovation: 21st Century Skills for All Students”, October, 2009.
“This is a pivotal time for the American educational system, given the
nation’s changing demographics, the workplace and economic realities of
increasing global competition and demands for STEM competencies and 21st century
skills.” 1
- Local families are searching for educational resources to supplement the
district’s Math and Science curriculum. - Parents pull students out of middle and high school science to attend programs
outside of the school district. - Summit consistently scores just above average in math and science. In 2010, only
31% of 10th graders were proficient or advanced on the CSAP in Summit (30%
average in the state) and only 48% scored in the proficient or advanced
range in 10th grade science (47% average in the state). These percentages
are not acceptable. For more information on past and current scores, go to:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/35683452/CSAP.
Visionary Description:
By 2022, Summit School District graduates will have participated in a K-12 STEM
education. Their education will have included using tools of technology,
developing fluency in the language of mathematics, and developing comprehensive
skills in science and engineering. The middle school and high school students of
2022 understand and value the rewards of studying STEM subjects. All students
believe STEM careers are viable options in their future. Recent graduates of our
district are realizing their maximum potential in a competitive global
marketplace. STEM will be sustainably supported by the community, partnering
organizations, and funders. Collaborative multi-agency partnerships will support
nationally-renowned Summit County STEM educational opportunities.
History
A small group of committed citizens began investigating the expansion of Science
and Math opportunities in December of 2010 by looking at the hands-on John
McConnell Center in Grand Junction. The group's research led them to investigate
other STEM possibilities for Summit County. Other Models include the newly
opened STEM Magnet school in Adams 12, the Denver School of Science and
Technology, and the regional approaches to STEM succeeding in Boise, ID and
Dayton, OH. In February of 2010, the group recruited more interested members and
met at Frisco Elementary to discuss the scope and vision of a Summit STEM
project. So far, there are over 50 parents, teachers, administrators, and agency
leaders involved in efforts to develop local STEM opportunities.
Mission
Developing Central Mountains STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) learning
opportunities to serve Summit County’s students. Starting with partnership and
collaboration, develop a STEM Center, provide teachers with professional
development, and expand the STEM Center to serve additional age groups and
geographic locations. Serve as a western slope model of excellence, then
statewide and potentially nationally.
Developing a Scope and Structure for STEM Opportunities
- Start STEM in elementary school grades 2 – 5.
- Simultaneously develop method for STEM skills to grow through the middle school and High School.
- Develop STEM opportunities at Frisco Elementary – possibilities include a STEM Magnet program, a STEM "track,” and/or an all-ages STEM center within the
building. - Implement a STEM Center (like John McConnell center in GJ) to provide for the entire district and all ages a place to engage in hands-on lessons and curricular
support with programs provided for both students and teachers. - Ensure technology curriculum begins in grades 2-3…early enough to develop a technologically responsible culture preventing issues of cyber-bullying.
Utilize a mobile tech lab if needed. - In February, 2011, two visionary STEM programs for Summit County were proposed:
- STEM Center programs available in a non-district location (TBD) during the 2011/2012 school year.
- Magnet STEM school for grades 3-5 evolving from Center enthusiasts by 2012/2013.
Next steps:
Possible Partners Meeting the school district’s needs and implementing multi-agency collaboration will bring the best results to any Summit County STEM project. In addition to a key partnership with the Summit School District, potential future partners include*: Considerations for possible partnership projects include curriculum development, shared facility space, fiscal sponsorship (rather than creating another local 501(c)3), and seed money to implement initial planning and secure sustainable funding. (*While all of these organizations are discussing ideas regarding Summit Stem
opportunities, it is important to clarify none are “official” partners as of 04/11.)
1
American Institutes of Research, “Center for STEM Education and Innovation: 21st Century Skills for All Students”, October, 2009.
