BERRIEN COUTY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CENTER€¦ · Web viewScience Olympiad. International ... Physics Day. Great Smoky ... the Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center will

BCMSC FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN 2012-2013 to 2016-2017

BERRIEN COUNTY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CENTER

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN INCORPORATING QUALITY INDICATORS2012-2013 to 2016-2017

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center will enhance the quality of STEM education for all area students.

LONG TERM GOALS:

Provide experiences to engage students in STEM learning activities. Share model curriculum initiatives with local districts and promote curriculum alignment with Next Generation Science Standards, Common

Core State Standards, Michigan Merit Curriculum. Assist low achieving schools in improving student achievement. Involve local universities and community colleges, science museums, business, and community groups as active partners in the Math/Science

Center. Strengthen teaching practices through systematic professional development initiatives. Provide high-potential area students a half-day, shared time, secondary program in an accelerated and enriched environment. In partnership with the Michigan Math & Science Centers Network, support and provide leadership for statewide initiatives in STEM education.

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – LEADERSHIP (Not Fully Implementing)

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Leadership

Centers assess needs, leverage resources, and promote collaboration in improving STEM education.

Identified Needs Based on a Current Comprehensive Needs Assessment

Local districts report need for STEM consultants and a team of consultants in all core areas. Local administrators report an escalating number of new STEM initiatives and frustration how to support them. Teachers are unfamiliar with the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. National research reveals an escalating need for STEM skills for all in a fast-paced changing society.

Center Five Year Goals for Leadership:

L1.0 The Berrien County Math & Science Center will be knowledgeable about important initiatives in STEM education, and will be active participants in developing and supporting these initiatives.L2.0 Identify local districts needing services and raise their awareness of STEM support services that are available.L3.0 Assist local districts in aligning their curriculum and instruction with the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.L4.0 Implement STEM initiatives as developed and presented by the Michigan STEM Partnership.L5.0 Convene an advisory group comprised of stakeholders from local districts as well as community partners.

L1.0 The Berrien County Math & Science Center will be knowledgeable about important initiatives in STEM education, and will be active participants in developing and supporting these initiatives.

List of planned programs for Year 2:

L1.a When feasible, participate in relevant and

Assessment Questions for Center Performance Effectiveness:

References for Data Gathering:

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active STEM professional associations such as ASCD, NCSM, NCTM, MCTM Michigan STEM Partnership MACUL, NIDR, NASSP, NSTA MSTA, NCSSSMST

L1.b Maintain an active role in the Lake Michigan STEM Hub of the Michigan STEM Partnership to help develop activities that support STEM education.

L1.c When feasible, participate in training and professional development activities that focus on current STEM initiatives and trends.

L1.d When feasible, engage in the development of programs that will advance STEM education independent of the Michigan STEM Partnership.

L1.e Join board of directors at NCSSSMST.

Are the Center staff active members of professional organizations?

Is the Berrien County MSC represented in Michigan STEM Partnership activities?

Is the Berrien County MSC represented at hosted professional development or resource activities?

Requisitions for membership Review of resource materials Staff calendars Certificates of completion Registration documents

L2.0 Identify local districts that need services and raise their awareness of STEM support services that are available.


L2.a Employ expert educators to organize and lead network meetings for STEM content teachers.

L2.b Collaborate with local curriculum directors and academic coordinators to identify district


Are needs being identified with local educators and through documentation?


Registration documentation Meeting minutes or other resources Survey of network teachers

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needs.

L2.c Assist high-priority and under achieving schools.

L3.0 Assist local districts in aligning their curriculum and instruction with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).


L3.a Through network meetings, help districts become more familiar with CCSS and NGSS.

L3.b Provide opportunities for districts to work collaboratively on developing curriculum.


Are districts in the process of incorporating new standards into their curriculum and instruction?


Reports from local districts Meeting announcements and

agendas/minutes Activity calendar entries

L4.0 Implement STEM initiatives as developed and presented by the Michigan STEM Partnership.


L4.a Facilitate Family Engineering programs in collaboration with local schools.

L4.b Provide professional development to local districts for utilizing the Family Engineering program.

L4.c Support and publicize new opportunities made available through the Lake Michigan STEM Hub of the Michigan STEM Partnership.


Are local districts participating in activities developed by the Michigan STEM Partnership?


Activity registration information Local district feedback

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L5.0 Convene an advisory group comprised of stakeholders from local districts as well as community partners.


L3.a Convene stakeholders to review as well as provide feedback on the Center student application process.

L3.b Use advisory group to identify expertise within the educational community.


Are all stakeholders represented on advisory group?

Is advisory group able to identify expertise to enhance professional development or programming?


Meeting minutes or other materials Directory of community experts or other

resources

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – STUDENT SERVICES

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Student Services

Students impacted (directly and indirectly) by Center programs demonstrate progress toward STEM literacy.

Students will elect to participate in STEM opportunities in greater numbers.


Attracting the numbers to make accelerated courses feasible and staffing and equipping these courses is difficult for many small districts in Berrien County.

Local administrators have requested a shared service approach to meeting the needs of highly capable secondary students in mathematics, science, and technology.

Students at all levels need learning opportunities that inspire, enrich and enable them to construct meaningful STEM understandings. Local districts cannot afford many enhancement activities. Students are not aware of the many STEM career paths.

Center Five Year Goals for Student Services:

SS1.0 Students will be provided opportunities to encourage their interest in STEM.SS2.0 Students will apply STEM skills in real life situations and conduct scientific research.SS3.0 Students will gain awareness of careers and real world applications to learning.SS4.0 High potential high school students will experience an innovative program in mathematics, science and technology.

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SS1.0 Students will be provided opportunities to encourage their interest in STEM.


SS1.a Identify and facilitate opportunities that excite an interest in students as they experience STEM in action. These activities may include participation in:

Museum visits Science Olympiad International Science & Engineering

Fair (ISEF) Physics Day Great Smoky Mountains Institute at

Tremont BEST Early Research Symposium Michigan High School Mathematics and

Science Symposium Family Engineering Nights

SS1.b Coordinate STEM focused videoconferencing field trips


Are students involved in a variety of Center sponsored activities?


Review attendance documentation Review teacher feedback from offsite

visits Teacher feedback from student activities

SS2.0 Students will apply STEM skills in real life situations and conduct scientific research.


SS2.a Coordinate and promote participation in a variety of competitive and noncompetitive interscholastic events such as:

Science Olympiad (K-5 & 6-12)


Are Center students engaged in real-world activities that promote scientific inquiry?


Review student awards and recognitions Student participation feedback Feedback from research presentations

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ISEF Family Engineering Nights Math Competitions FIRST Robotics Michigan High School Mathematics and

Science Symposium BEST Early Research Symposium NCSSSMST Student Research

Symposium

SS2.b Combine, coordinate and promote the Building Excellence in Science and Technology (BEST) Early Research Program as well as the Michigan High School Mathematics & Science Symposium.

Feedback from teacher chaperones

SS3.0 Students will gain awareness of careers and real world applications to learning.


SS3.a Support the implementation of career pathway STEM courses.

SS3.b Promote activities that enhance understandings of cultural diversity, gender equity, and career paths in STEM fields such as Portfolio Assessment, Family Engineering, and Young Entrepreneurs Day.

SS3.c Work with CTE and FIRST Robotics Coaches on creating a document that provides measurable benchmarks regarding FIRST Robotics and the NGSS and Common Core standards that are implemented in Robotics Preparation.


Are students participating in activities promoting STEM careers?


CTE course registration documentation Attendance documentation for student

activities Review feedback from students and

teachers

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SS4.0 High potential high school students will experience an innovative program in mathematics, science and technology.


SS4.a Students will be selected from area LEAs to participate in a half-day shared time accelerated program.

SS4.b Accelerated Program in grades 9-12 students will be provided instruction in mathematics, science and technology in a university environment.

SS4.c Students will access university facilities, laboratories and technology.

SS4.d Accelerated Program students will be provided enrichment activities that will enhance learning.

SS4.e Accelerated Program students will receive recognition for their accomplishments.

SS4.f Provide accelerated students with university electives or direct undergraduate credit.

SS4.g Provide accelerated students the opportunity to participate in state, regional and national contests and competitions.


Is enrollment stable or increasing?

Are students successful after completing the accelerated program?


Review the number of applications Review enrollment data Survey of graduates’ accomplishments Review Center graduate data Student feedback

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SS4.h All students will participate in original research and share their research through publications or presentation.

SS4.i All students will participate in Fab Lab processes using a laser burner and 3D printers.

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – CURRICULUM SUPPORT (Not Fully Implementing)

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Curriculum Support

Districts will develop and implement aligned curricula in STEM classrooms.


Teachers need to have local expertise available with knowledge to assist in aligning their curriculum. A need exists for teachers in the same field of study to share ideas with each other and learn new demonstrations and projects and discuss

appropriate materials such as books, videos, software, and emerging technologies.

Center Five Year Goals for Curriculum Support:

CS1.0. Support local districts in the development of effective assessment in STEM programs.CS2.0 Districts will align their STEM curriculum with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and state adopted course expectations.CS3.0 All schools will have the opportunity to enhance student learning. CS4.0 Districts will use various technologies as an integral means to deliver curriculum.

CS1.0 Support local districts in the development of effective assessment in STEM programs.


CS1.a Provide professional development for creating quality assessments.


Are districts working towards creating effective assessments?


Meeting agendas Feedback from district curriculum

leaders

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CS2.0 Districts will align their STEM curriculum with Common Core Science Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and state adopted course expectations.


CS2.a Through the content teacher network, educators will be supported in implementing CCSS and NGSS.

CS2.b Provide opportunities for professional development to support alignment efforts.

CS2.c Through the content teacher network, provide technical assistance to LEA school improvement teams


Are districts participating and aligning curriculum?


Consultant assessment of progress Identify schools participating in

alignment activities Feedback from building principals and

curriculum directors

CS3.0 All schools will have the opportunity to enhance student learning in STEM.


CS3.a Provide opportunities for professional development in STEM instruction.

CS3.b Through the Michigan Math & Science Centers Network, provide access to statewide programs and initiatives.

CS3.c Through the content teacher network, develop and support professional learning communities to increase student achievement.


Are district teachers participating inprofessional development or other programs?


Identify schools participating in activities

Workshop agenda and sign-ins Participation data from statewide

programs

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CS4.d In collaboration with the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center, host training sessions for Science Units.

CS4.0 Districts will use various technologies as an integral means to deliver curriculum.


CS4.a Model the integration of technology when delivering instruction and technical assistance.

CS4.b Provide access to Vernier probeware via loan program.

CS4.c Coordinate videoconference field trips to support curriculum.


Are teachers utilizing technology in classrooms?


Identify schools participating in activities

Log of materials check out Workshop agenda and sign-in Classroom Observations

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Community Involvement

Individuals and groups from the community understand and support the goals and activities of the center.


Students' learning becomes more meaningful when they can make relevant connections in their learning via involvement with community businesses and initiatives.

Students need to value and form connections with their community. Community support in both time and resources are needed to keep programs on the cutting edge.

Center Five Year Goals for Community Involvement:

CI1.0 Raise community awareness regarding the importance of STEM education and the impact that having STEM literate citizens make for a better community. CI2.0 Local universities and community colleges, museums, businesses, and community groups will share expertise, resources and facilities with local students and teachers.CI3.0 The Berrien County Math & Science Center will foster relationships with area businesses and organizations with the purpose of gaining real world STEM experiences through mentorship, research and programming. CI4.0 Collaborate with institutions of higher education and community organizations.CI5.0 Deliver programming provided by the Michigan STEM Partnership to increase STEM awareness.CI6.0 Convene an advisory group comprised of stakeholders from local districts from our entire service area as well as community partners.CI7.0 Develop a communication plan to highlight the impact of business and community partners.

CI1.0 Raise community awareness regarding the importance of STEM education and the impact that having STEM literate citizens make for a better community.

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CI1.a Collaborate with local schools to provide events that encourage awareness and engagement in STEM areas.

CI1.b During the awareness and recruiting process, present to parent groups and local organizations.

CI1.c Extend invitations to community members for events such as ISEF, Science Olympiad, Family Engineering, or BEST Early Research Symposium.

CI1.d Provide relevant information to the public community via the Center web site.


Is information readily available to the public community?


Review newspaper clippings and press releases

Meeting agendas and sign-in Review brochures, flyers, and web site

CI2.0 Local universities and community colleges, museums, businesses, and community groups will share expertise, resources and facilities with local students and teachers.


CI2. a. Involve local universities, community colleges, museums, business, and community groups in planning and implementing special events such as ISEF, Science Olympiad, or the BEST Early Research Symposium.

CI2.b. Support Career and Technical Education and various community groups to provide new and innovative high school courses that provide real world connections.


Is there widespread involvement by community stakeholders in Center activities?


Review brochures, flyers Meeting agendas and sign-in Review printed programs Identify participants by district Review student registration information

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CI2.c. Begin utilizing community expertise, particularly Andrews University, in sharing resources and knowledge with local educators.CI2.d Partner with Lake Michigan College and Andrews University on projects to support improving STEM education.

CI3.0 The Berrien County Math & Science Center will foster relationships with area businesses and organizations with the purpose of gaining real world STEM experiences through mentorship, research and programming.


CI3.a Recruit mentors from the community to assist with project research for activities such as Science Olympiad and International Science & Engineering Fair.


Are students participating in mentoring experiences?


Identify participating mentors and corresponding organizations.

Identify enrolled students

CI4.0 Local businesses and foundations will contribute toward programming.


CI4.a. Contact local businesses and agencies to contribute resources such as personnel or funds for the implementation of STEM events.

CI4.b. Through the Berrien RESA Partnership Awards, strengthen existing relationships with community.


Is funding and programming enhanced by local businesses?

Is the community outreach and impact of local businesses enhanced?


Review income records Review feedback form local businesses Recognition of community awardees

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CI5.0 Deliver programming provided by the Michigan STEM Partnership to increase STEM awareness.


CI5.a Engage community partners to participate in Michigan STEM Partnership activities.


Are there personal connections with community organizations and higher education?


Meeting agendas/minutes Review board membership lists

CI6.0 Convene an advisory group comprised of stakeholders from local districts as well as community partners.


CI6.a Utilize advisory group to identify expertise and potential partnerships within our service area.


Which organizations and businesses have expertise that could positively impact the students in our service area?


Number of new partnership contacts

CI7.0 Develop a communication plan to highlight the impact of business and community partners.


CI6.a Communicate involvement of private sector stakeholders with public school districts.


How will successes be shared with local districts and community partners?


Published communications

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Not Fully Implementing)

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Professional Development

Educators who participate in Center PD reflect best instructional practices in their own settings.


Educators are being besieged with needs to change and add to their curriculums, with new research directions in pedagogy and new advances in technology. Educators need help in sorting out these initiatives and knowing where to turn for training.

Professional development opportunities provide a vehicle for teachers and administrators to maintain high expectations of themselves, colleagues and their students and to personally maintain a spark of curiosity and thirst for lifelong learning.

Research indicates change occurs easier when more than one person from a school is involved. Our local administrators rank quality professional development that is nearby and affordable as a number one need. They stress the importance

of follow-up and collegial support. Area students' competency in STEM is lower than acceptable. Improved teaching strategies, curricular alignment and attention to best practices. Local district school improvement plans indicate a need for professional development in STEM.

Center Five Year Goals for Professional Development:

PD1.0 Area educators will be aware of STEM professional development opportunities.PD2.0 In partnership with the Michigan Math & Science Centers Network, the Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center will implement statewide programs.PD3.0 Professional development opportunities will focus on topics of state and national concerns in STEM education. PD4.0 Develop dialog and partnership between Center instructional staff and local educators.

PD1.0 Area educators will be aware of STEM professional development opportunities.List of planned programs for Year 2: Assessment Questions for Center Performance

Effectiveness:References for Data Gathering:

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PD1.a Disseminate newsletters, flyers, and provide online resources.

PD1.b Promote teacher programs through contacts, visits in local districts, and electronic media.

PD1.c Utilize teacher network to share professional development opportunities.

Are educators aware of professional development activities?

Review promotion materials Monitor professional development

enrollments Feedback from district educators

PD2.0 In partnership with the Michigan Math & Science Centers Network, the Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center will implement statewide programs.


PD2.a Provide professional development that incorporates collaboration, current research and teacher follow-up and support.

PD2.b Host professional development for exemplary programs such as the Battle Creek Science Units.


Are participating in Network professional development activities?


Monitor professional development enrollments

Feedback from district educators List professional development activities

PD3.0 Professional development opportunities will focus on topics of state and national concerns in STEM education.


PD3.a Provide professional development opportunities that support Common Core State Standards as well as Next Generation Science


Do professional development programs


Workshop and network meeting

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Standards.

PD3.b Convene regular sharing sessions with STEM network groups.

PD3.c Provide training for the purpose of integrating technology into the classroom.

embrace current standards and best practice?

Does our professional development encourage the integration of technology in to the classroom?

registration information List professional development activities

and check alignment with standards and best practice

List professional development activities that include training in technology

PD4.0 Develop dialog and partnership between Center instructional staff and local educators.


PD4.a Provide professional development opportunities that bring together Center college instructors and K-12 educators.


How can expertise be shared between K-12 and higher education?


Workshop and meeting registration information

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FOCUS OF PROGRAMMING YEAR 2 – RESOURCE CLEARINGHOUSE (Not Fully Implementing)

Performance Effectiveness Indicator for Resource Clearinghouse

Centers assess needs, leverage resources, and promote collaboration in improving STEM education.


There is an increased need to support the use of technology, mathematics manipulatives, and hands-on science activities for all grade levels. All districts cannot possibly provide access to the many fine teaching models, demonstrations, equipment, and technological resources that could

enhance the learning of STEM. Advances in technology, video capabilities and communication links need to be tapped to their full potential for meeting the needs of the teacher

and learner.

Center Five Year Goals for Resource Clearinghouse:

RC1.0 Teachers will use STEM resources in the classroom.RC2.0 Teachers will access a greater diversity of STEM resources, which include not only materials, but also practitioners.

RC1.0 Teachers will use STEM resources in the classroom.


RC1.a Professional development will include training with appropriate manipulatives, and all workshops will model effective use of these resources.


Are teachers using available resources?


Registration information Teacher feedback

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RC2.0 Teachers will access a greater diversity of STEM resources, which include not only materials, but also practitioners.


RD2.a Through teacher network meetings, begin to develop a professional learning community of excellent classroom practitioners.


Are teachers engaged in active collaboration to enhance instruction?


Network participation information

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BERRIEN COUTY MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CENTER€¦ · Web viewScience Olympiad. International ... Physics Day. Great Smoky ... the Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center will