Three Oak Ridge elementary schools earn AdvancED STEM Certification

Three Oak Ridge elementary schools have earned AdvancED STEM Certification. Glenwood, Linden, and Woodland elementary schools are now officially three of 40-plus schools worldwide that have earned this certification so far, a press release said.

“The process is ongoing, and we look forward to adding more of our schools to this distinguished list in September,” the press release said.

For several months, Oak Ridge Schools STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) leaders have been working to provide evidence to a team of evaluators who have undertaken a data-driven internal review and an external diagnostic review process that demonstrates the school district’s ongoing commitment and capacity to prepare students for STEM fields of study and work, the release said.

“STEM students have the skills, knowledge, and thinking strategies that prepare them to be innovative, creative, and systematic problem solvers in STEM fields of study and work,” the release said. “Engaging in this process long term will provide educators with detailed findings and a clear roadmap to stimulate and sustain dramatic improvement.”

This certification also communicates to postsecondary business and industry leaders that Oak Ridge Schools are committed to driving higher levels of student achievement, the press release said.

“STEM school leadership will continue to engage stakeholders in an honest evaluation of policies, strategies, and learning conditions that will achieve desired outcomes,” the release said. “Congratulations to Glenwood, Linden, and Woodland elementary schools for spearheading this distinguished designation within our school system.”

Below are examples of AdvancED STEM standards and Indicators:

STEM LEARNERS

• ST1.1—The STEM school/program supports non-traditional student participation through outreach to groups often underrepresented in STEM program areas.
• ST1.2—Students work independently and collaboratively in an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages finding creative solutions to authentic and complex problems.
• ST1.3—Students are empowered to personalize and self-direct their STEM learning experiences supported by STEM educators who facilitate their learning.
• ST1.4—Students use technology resources to conduct research, demonstrate creative and critical thinking, and communicate and work collaboratively.
• ST1.5—Students demonstrate their learning through performance-based assessments and express their conclusions through elaborated explanations of their thinking.

STEM EDUCATORS

• ST1.6—The interdisciplinary problem-based curriculum includes a focus on real world applications.
• ST1.7—STEM educators collaborate as an interdisciplinary team to plan, implement, and improve integrated STEM learning experiences.
• ST1.8—STEM learning outcomes demonstrate students’ STEM literacy necessary for the next level of STEM learning and for postsecondary and workforce readiness.
• ST1.9—STEM teachers and leaders participate in a continuous program of STEM-specific professional learning.

STEM EXPERIENCES

• ST1.10—Community, post-secondary, business/industry partners, and/or families actively support and are engaged with teachers and students in the STEM program.
• ST1.11—Students are supported in their STEM learning through adult-world connections and extended day opportunities.

Contact AdvancED STEM Certification to learn more: STEMcertification@advanc-ed.org.

This press release was submitted by Holly Cross of Oak Ridge Schools.

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