Producers with Technology

As part of our STEM Learning Culture, the school hired a STEM Program Specialist in 2019 who had a degree in instructional technology. The first goal was to provide learner-centered environments that provide opportunities for students to develop independence and to take responsibility for their own work. Teachers planned lessons where “Technology” in the STEM learning environment was not narrowly defined as digital devices and software applications but extended to the use of tools for learning that help students build skills, create original works, and develop solutions for complex problems. During professional development, we are continually analazing the SAMR Model, a framework created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura that categorizes four different degrees of classroom technology integration. The letters “SAMR” stand for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. A member of our STEAM leadership team has presented on this to the team as well as having a school wide professional development. The leadership team has been able to support members of their grade-level professional learning community. Additionally we offer embedded professional development from our district level Educational Technology Specialist and our school STEM Program Specialist.