Today was different.
Different because Mr. V greeted each of us as we entered into the
FLL. Not that our admin typically aren’t
present during PLC, on Fridays, but you could sense he had an urgency. An urgency that would soon add another
chapter to our learning journey!
Once all of our team arrived, the news was shared that, as
our new building opened for the 2017-2018 school year, we would have a STEM focus. This focus would not only include all math
and science teachers becoming certified, but also our school becoming the first
school in the entire nation to be STEM certified.
This announcement was met with a combination of unknown and
excitement! Unknown because: What is STEM?
How will it look like in our rooms?
Will our standards change? and
the list goes on and on. Excitement
because of what incredible opportunities this brings for our Falcons, as well
as our teachers, as we continue becoming 21st century learners.
Having some prior knowledge of STEM, I could hardly contain
my excitement! This was an area that I
am constantly researching and trying to incorporate into our learning
opportunities. The wheels of creativity
and innovative lesson design were already beginning in to swirl around in my
mind!
As days passed, wheels were spinning, and many conversations
were had…Do you think this is going to be easy?
What do you think it will require?
How do I do this in my classroom?
We received the official STEM approval, at the October board meeting, Dr. Elizabeth A. Clark, Associate Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instruction, said, “Birdville ISD wants to embrace, implement
and support innovative approaches that expand the opportunities for students
and staff to personalize and enrich learning that goes beyond what the state
uses in accountability.”
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