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

What is meant by STEM? 1.K-12 STEM literacy emphasizes problem solving (often in teams) and the ability to work across traditional borders among all disciplines and find measured yet creative solutions to problems. 2.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. 3.STEM high schools as 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. 4.Higher Education for STEM professions that typically require a Ph.D. in science, math, engineering or a related field.

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.

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:

The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal 1.Maintain the missions and character of the existing Career Center programs while enhancing the synergies between them. 2.House the present Arlington Mill and Langston High School Continuation Programs. 3.Expand high school opportunities to explore and develop career fields. 4.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.

The Superintendent’s STEM Proposal 5.Provide alternative options to complete a high school education while enhancing life-long learning opportunities. 6.Afford opportunities for structured post-secondary experiences for all its students. 7.Provide adaptability to accommodate future trends.

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

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

Task Group Recommendations 1.The ACC would be open to all APS high school students – no lottery 2.The ACC would have an expanded day to enhance opportunities for all students to enroll in ACC courses 3.The ACC would not supplant opportunities for Arlington students to attend TJHSST

Task Group Recommendations 4.Co-location of the Arlington Mill and Langston High School Continuation programs should ensure the current nurturing, small-scale environment 5.Develop clear objectives and assessment tools 6.Communication among stakeholders  MS counselors, administrators, teachers  HS counselors, administrators, teachers  Students and Parents

Comments from ACI February 13, 2008 Vote: 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

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

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