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As we continue our journey towards becoming a STEM school, educators and staff have been committed to mastering teaching techniques and strategies that empower students to thrive in a student-led environment. The entire Helmsburg team is focused on delivering a challenging, integrated STEM education through effective teaching practices. Helmsburg educators have dedicated numerous hours to collaborating and crafting the STEM curriculum tailored for their classrooms, while also refining their abilities to support students within a STEM instructional framework. Professional development opportunities have been extended to all classroom, Special Education, and Student Services teachers, emphasizing the implementation of a STEM approach to address real-world challenges. Additionally, all classroom teachers received training on the APB methodology, along with specialized training in Project Lead The Way (PLTW) that emphasizes project-based learning (PBL) instruction.
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training
All teachers at Helmsburg Elementary have received training in applying a STEM instructional approach focused on addressing real-world problems or challenges. This training was part of a Professional Development program aimed at enhancing teacher skills. It expanded teachers' knowledge of problem-based and project-based instructional models linked to real-world issues. Additionally, this training complemented the existing teacher evaluation rubric, which ensures that teachers are accountable for their instructional methods and the learning outcomes of their students.
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation
Helmsburg Elementary School prioritizes the incorporation of STEM across the curriculum for all grades K-5. Every teacher at HES has received training in Project-Based Learning (PBL) lesson development. Additionally, educators at HES have woven STEM Employability skills and Computer Science into various components of the Helmsburg Elementary curriculum.
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups
Educators at Helmsburg engage students in collaborative learning situations that emphasize specific roles, responsibility, and standards for employability. At HES, instructors prioritize students’ ownership of their educational journey and motivate them to assume leadership positions within the classroom. Such roles are integrated into various STEM lesson plans and are supported by teaching strategies and assessment tools that provide clear and constructive feedback to both students and teachers regarding the success of the lesson and the STEM methodology.
3.4 Technology in Instruction
3.4 Technology in Instruction
At Helmsburg Elementary, computer science and technology integration is an essential component of our daily teaching. Students from Kindergarten to 5th grade receive Chromebooks, and STEM and Kindergarten classrooms are also equipped with iPads. We are thrilled to have our own 3-D printer at HES as well. Students at Helmsburg actively engage with technology as part of their STEM curriculum. They utilize technology to achieve specific STEM objectives in both their regular classrooms and during their STEM class rotations.
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