Intel ISEF Educator Academy May, 2005 Team Oregon Hillsboro, Oregon

2 Introductions Team Oregon –Morgan Anderson, Intel OR Education Manager –Rachelle Carnes, High School Science Teacher –Shawna Dehler, High School Math Teacher –Laycee Kinsman, Middle School Science Teacher –Chris Steiner, High School Science Teacher

3 Educational Environment Hillsboro School District –Hillsboro is a growing suburb of Portland 1 of 198 school districts in 35 counties 4 high, 4 middle, 23 elementary, 2 alternative schools 841 teachers 19,191 students

4 Educational Environment Hillsboro’s schools are comprehensive and teach to a standards-based curriculum. We focus on individual students and create smaller communities of learning. Math and Science Requirements: –Middle schools (grades 7-8) require students to take 2 years of math and 1.5 years of science –High schools (9-12) require 2 credits of math and 2 credits of science for graduation –Universities require 3 years of math and 2 years of science –Governor Kulongoski signed American Diploma Project pledge to increase high school requirements in math, science and language arts

5 Oregon Science Fairs Ten feeder fairs in the state, up from one fair four years ago, HSD has partnered with Intel and the Beaverton School District to run our own Intel ISEF-affiliated fair. Over 160 students from both districts participated this year Organized and hosted 2 nd annual Science Research Symposium with 1,000 students attending from Hillsboro & Beaverton Schools Launched K-8 district fair after attending Intel ISEF Educator Academy 2 years ago…400 projects displayed. Virtually all elementary schools and half the middle schools hold their own school science fair—result from last trip to Intel ISEF Hosted Intel ISEF in Portland in 2004!

6 Obstacles –Students losing interest in research activities when they transition to high school –Challenge in securing teacher buy-in to include research in curriculum and gaining support with after-school coordination –Need stronger district and building-level support as well as understanding of commitment

7 Action Plan Focus Create a plan to transition middle school science fair participants to high school participants District-supported science clubs and research classes at all levels Providing training and incentives for teachers to include their students in science fairs

8 Background Under new “management” and attitude and outlook is rosier than a few years ago –New Superintendent is also former science teacher