1. Growing a Specialized STEM Program Exciting. Engaging. Equipping.
Ninth Grade Cohort

2. Please complete the card and return before you leave!!

4. WHAT is STEM Education?
STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

5. STEM Academy Journey August 4, 2016
October, 2012
Brainstormed the STEM Academy concept
Focus: How to produce more STEM focused graduates?
April, 2013
Approached by Georgia Southern University REAL STEM Grant
October, 2014
Visited Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST) & Forsyth Central High School
And the journey continued until….
August 4, 2016
The doors opened on an exciting adventure

6. Laying the Foundation in Middle School
Middle School Offering High School Credit Opportunities
Physical Science
Spanish I
Implemented a Middle School STEM course

7. Effingham County School System STEM Academy
The STEM Academy is designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary education, career, and citizenship. It will appeal to students who seek a small-school approach to learning, where academic subjects are connected, and where students are engaged in rigorous science and mathematics content integrated with a STEM-themed pathway.

8. Agenda Student Selection Process/Flow Charts
High School Graduation Requirement
STEM Endorsement Course Sequence
Academic Elective Opportunity (MOWR)
Scientific Research Course
Key Features of the STEM Academy
Stay Connected and Don’t Miss Deadlines

9. Georgia Milestones Achievement Levels
Rising 9th Grade students
Mathematics & Science scores
Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
84 students automatically qualify to receive a STEM slot.
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.

10. Georgia Milestones Achievement Levels
Rising 9th Grade students
Mathematics & Science scores
Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
238 students qualify for the lottery.
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards.
877/223+53=276

11. Registration Process/ Flow Chart

12. Step #1

13. Graduation Requirements

14. STEM Endorsement Graduation Requirements

16. 4 units

17. 4 units
4 units

18. 4 units
4 units
4 units

19. 4 units
4 units
4 units
3 units

20. Foreign Language

21. STEM Pathways
Scientific Research

22. Academic Elective Opportunity 27 TCSG courses transferable to USG

23. Academic Elective Opportunity 27 TCSG courses transferable to USG
ARTS Art Appreciation
SPCH 1101 – Public Speaking
College Admissions & Beginning College Transcript

24. Academic Elective Opportunity
9th Grade Schedule
(Fall or Spring Semester)
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Course Duration: 34 Days
SPCH 1101
Public Speaking
(Face-to-Face)
ARTS 1101
Art Appreciation
Students will take the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam beginning in April 2017

25. New – Scientific Research Course

26. STEM Endorsement – Opportunity to earn 36 units

27. Key Features of the STEM Academy
Tentative Bell Schedule
The STEM Academy starts at 7:30. The student’s parents must provide transportation to the STEM Academy. This allows the student to maximize credit opportunities.
Zero Period – 7:30 to 8:45 (75 minutes) First Period – 8:50 to 10:05 (75 minutes) Second Period – 10:10 to 11:25 (75 minutes) Third Period – 11:30 to 1:10
First Lunch – 11:30 to 11:55 Second Lunch – 12:00 to 12:25 Fourth Period – 1:15 to 2:30 (75 minutes)
At 2:30, students will be transported back to their base high school for 7th period.
Application: Question related to transportation

29. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy students will be exposed to a unique and rigorous curriculum.
-opportunities for students to interact with STEM professionals
-opportunities for students to interact with university partners to support curriculum

30. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy teachers are certified and highly qualified. Teachers may have business and industry experience. Teachers may have research experience. STEM Academy teachers will receive on-going STEM specific professional learning (including Project -Based Learning).

31. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy teachers will collaborate to plan integrated lessons, share/co-create STEM activities, and plan learning outcomes. STEM Academy will develop on-going relationships with business, community, and post-secondary partners.

32. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy students will be encouraged to participate in STEM competitions, STEM exhibits, and/or state and national STEM forums.
Extended after-school STEM opportunities
Robotics Team (TSA)
Math Team
Computer Science Team
Science Olympiad
Science Bowl
Others

33. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy classrooms will be student-centered. STEM Academy students will have to think in complex ways and also apply knowledge & skills they have acquired.

34. Key Features of the STEM Academy
STEM Academy will promote parental engagement. - Develop Academic Booster Club - Parents open doors for internship opportunities and research mentors - Develop connections for morning transportation

37. What Matters Most to Colleges
College Prep Coursework (AP, Honors)
Standardized Test Scores (ACT, AP, SAT)
Overall High School Grades (Transcript)
The Admission Essay
Extracurricular Commitment
Demonstrated Interest
A Special Talent
Letters of Recommendation
Class Rank

38. Mr. Ashley Kieffer
Dr. Kathy Pevey
Office