Engaging Students through CTE and STEM Tom Thompson, CTE Education Specialist Deb Bailey, Applied Science Education Specialist Susan Wilson, Applied Math Education Specialist

Key ideas What does it mean to be engaged? What evidence do we have that STEM and CTE can improve engagement? What investments is Oregon making to improve engagement through STEM and CTE?

Why/when are students disengaged in school? Round 1 Activity 1-2-4-all Propose this question. Start alone (1min), then in pairs (2min), then foursomes (4min) (note similarities and differences), and finally as a whole group (5min). Ask: what is one idea that stood out in your conversation? Round 2 (two questions) What are some concrete examples of when you have seen students fully engaged? Why were these students fully engaged? (answers should be focused on applied aspects of material and pedagogy)

What are some concrete examples of when you have seen students fully engaged? Why were these students fully engaged?

Engagement Strategies Be Real Connect to student interests Engage students in professional dialogue Challenge students to solve problems Launch events that matter Keep the end in mind Igniting Student Engagement: A Roadmap for Learning, 2015

Typical ways to measure engagement Attendance Test Scores Graduation Rates

CTE and Graduation

Math-in-CTE National Study Teams of math and CTE teachers Lessons developed to be taught in CTE courses 10% change in curriculum Significant gains in math achievement scores.

Applied Math – Oregon Study Three-year project Curriculum developed by teams and taught by a math teacher Results Math attitudes of students in technical course improved more than peers in traditional courses Math achievement gains in technical course similar to traditional courses

Quick Discussion What comes to mind when you think about STEM? What comes to mind when you think about CTE? Think, Pair Share these two questions

CTE and STEM CTE and STEM are not just about more content – rather they are about students learning how to critically think to solve real world problems. In that way CTE and STEM are about practical application of knowledge and skills. Students learn how to address and clarify problems and learn strategies for solving any critical question.

Current State Investments Focus on Teachers Math in Real Life* Digital Literacy and Computer Science* CTE Course Equivalency Focus on Students CTE Summer Programs* Out of School STEM Innovation Adaptive Math Learning Pilots Oregon FIRST Robotics Grants Focus on Programs Regional STEM Hubs* CTE Revitalization Grants Secondary Career Pathways Funding

STEM Hubs A Regional STEM Hub is an action-oriented partnership that engages multiple stakeholders and organizations within a defined geographic area, working toward the common goal of increasing student interest, preparation, and success in STEM. Key Components to STEM Hubs critical for success: Common Vision Commitment to data and shared measures of success Aligned Action Effective Communication Backbone Organization

Stem hubs and engagement Frontier Hub Traveling teacher help teachers apply science in the classroom. South Metro STEM Coordinating year-long cohorts of STEM teachers Coastal STEM Hub Extensive professional development in partnership with OSU

Computer Science and Digital Literacy Professional development around the state Statewide network Increase in computer science and digital literacy in schools Currently, Oregon has 8,000 open computing jobs with average salaries of $81,000/year. In 2013, Oregon had only 355 computer science graduates, and only 11% of those were females.” --Computer Science Teachers Association

Digital Literacy

Math in Real Life Change math instruction to be more context-based Teacher teams Develop applied math lessons grades 7 to 10 Implement lessons Revise and share Create repository of context-based math lessons

What is real life math?

Air Traffic Control

Real LIFE Math Examples High potential for student engagement Mirror real-world applications Leverage significant mathematics Apply math practices and tools Include CTE and STEM practices

CTE Summer Programs Middle school and high school programs Connected to: Programs in schools Local business and industry Postsecondary education Increase the number of students who participate in CTE Retain students in career pathways

CTE Summer Programs

Medsplash – Lane ESD

Next Steps…… How can these investments engage YOUR students? 2. How can Title Funds be leveraged to engage YOUR students in STEM/CTE? 3. What other STEM/CTE investments should we be making? 1-2-4 all Activity Again Which questions should we really ask for next steps?

Questions? Susan Wilson Education Specialist Applied Math 503 947-5613 Susan.Wilson@ode.state.or.us Tom Thompson Education Specialist Industrial and Engineering Systems 503 947-5790  Tom.Thompson@ode.state.or.us Deb Bailey Education Specialist Applied Science 503 947-0046 Deborah.Bailey@ode.state.or.us Office of Learning Teaching and Learning Unit Oregon Department of Education 255 Capitol Street NE Salem, Oregon 97310