OLYMPIA — Three schools will offer guidance on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) instruction, Rep. Tina Orwall and State Superintendent Randy Dorn announced Feb. 1.
The announcement was made as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure that K-12 students are prepared to succeed in the 21st century economy. In 2010, Orwall sponsored, and the Legislature passed, House Bill 2621. The law calls for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to designate up to three schools to serve as “lighthouses” offering technical assistance and advice on best practices in STEM instruction.
The lighthouse schools are:
- Aviation High School, Des Moines (Highline Public Schools), which will use a project-based learning environment with an aviation and aeronautics theme;
- Mead High School, Spokane (Mead School District), which will use Project Lead the Way, a STEM project-based curriculum; and
- Komachin Middle School, Lacey (North Thurston Public Schools), which will use project-based learning in all classes, including “looping” students and teachers so they stay together for two years.
“STEM education is effective in helping a wide range of students excel in math and sciences in preparation for college, and provides them with the skills to compete for high-tech job opportunities,” said Orwall, a Des Moines Democrat. “My hope is that these three schools mark the starting point to expanding these best practices to all our schools.”
Criteria used to determine the lighthouse schools included whether their models are increasing achievement; how the instruction mirrors the world beyond the classroom; involvement of under-represented populations; and involvement of business, industry, community, parents and post-secondary practitioners.
The three schools will be resources and examples of how to combine the following best practices to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students in STEM education:
• A small, highly personalized learning community;
• An interdisciplinary curriculum with strong focus on STEM subjects, delivered through a project-based instructional approach; and
• Active partnerships with businesses and the local community.
“STEM education is the way of the future,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent. “We need to have more scientists, or we will continue to fall behind internationally. These three schools will provide a great blueprint for others to follow.”
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6444 directed OSPI to create a STEM workgroup to, among other tasks, develop a comprehensive plan for students wanting to pursue a STEM education. In a report to the Legislature (PDF) in December, the workgroup concluded that Washington is not fully prepared to offer students the opportunities they require for success and that the state needs more adequately prepared mathematics and science teachers.
The report also found that only 43 percent of Washington’s 4th graders and 39 percent of 8th graders scored proficient or above on the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress, and only 29 percent and 33 percent, respectively, scored that well in science.
“On the one hand we’re proud that Washington ranks fourth in the country in technology-based corporations but, on the other, we must face the fact that we rank 46th in participation in science and engineering graduate degree programs,” Orwall said. “The only way we’re going to fill the family-wage jobs that Washington employers are offering is by engaging students to the point where they have the ability to create, design, innovate and think critically. STEM education is a very solid step in that direction.”