The integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve complex, real-world problems in order to prepare students for careers using these skills.

KentSTEM

Kent ISD

KISA Superintendents Retreat

April 24, 2014

What does it mean to be the “first choice” if you are the only choice?

February 26th, 2014

What if you are not the only

choice?

How did we respond?• Develop a vision for what “STEM”

education is and why it is so important today

• Research what is happening on a National, State, and local level as it relates to the demand for STEM skills and the need for STEM talent (have data and business and industry validation)

• Identify what our existing STEM programming is and gather data on how many students are engaging in this programming

• Reinforce existing business partnerships and forge new ones

• Communicate a sense of urgency to staff with a “can do” message

• Develop STEM goals and action plans

• Develop meaningful PD with in-house experts (STEM consultants, Learning Labs)

• Find success stories and achievements and then tell these stories and celebrate successes

STEM is more than a collection of course titles…it is a way of applying theory, deducting, reasoning, problem solving, researching, analyzing, identifying resources, communicating technically, innovating, adapting, planning, trying a varied approach, showing perseverance, and collaborating to find a solution that meets or exceeds the customer’s needs.

• Instructional STEM program offerings in a learning environment that best supports student learning• Themed courses or pathways, project based learning, co-

curricular clubs and competitions (First Robotics, Skills USA, Lego League, UAS)

• Labs, collaborative learning spaces, one-one devices, offsite experiences (work-based learning)

• Teacher development in ways that transition theoretical knowledge into practical experience

• Teacher in the Workplace, Learning Labs, STEM Consultants

• Local business and industry partnerships• Discover-Manufacturing Today Video Challenge

Three fundamental components to a STEM plan…beyond the vision

How will you respond?• Students• Parents• Staff• Local Businesses

• Approximately 2200 students attend KCTC each year

• This represents about 17% of the 11th and 12th grade students in our 20 local districts

• Of the 2200 students, about 1/3 attend identified STEM programs through KCTC

• This represents about 6% of the total population of 11th and 12th grade students

• Conservative projections indicate that 27% of all jobs in 2022 will require a STEM skill set

• What vision and experiences will prepare these students in local high schools to fill this talent need?