Another Chapter in Our Learning Journey

Sunday, December 4, 2016

The bell signaling the beginning of 8th period had just rung, as all of us math teachers congregated in the FLL. Typically, Friday PLCs were spent focusing on our upcoming week and tweaking our plans to meet the needs of our learners, based on the data collected from the previous day. 

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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