Analysis and Synthesis:

The past four years have been challenging for a number of reasons and although education was forced to adapt in the blink of an eye, we saw first hand that learning can take place anywhere. Faced with this challenge our staff pooled together to brainstorm how to shift how we approached teaching. While some schools were looking for a way to survive, Sierra Verde was dedicated to finding the many ways we could thrive. We quickly realized the value and importance of connectivity with our community via remote learning and the power of how technology can be used to connect one another no matter the miles between us. Students were learning from Phoenix to Flagstaff thanks to the power of technological innovation. When our doors were forced to close, our school wide morning announcements were a familiar ritual that offered our school community a slice of normalcy during these uncertain times. Even though our doors are open once again, we now see the power of connecting our community to all that Sierra Verde has to offer.

The culture of STEM learning at Sierra Verde is deeply ingrained and exemplified by various indicators of stakeholder engagement and alignment with program values. Our school community's commitment to STEM is evident through events such as STEAM Night, which serves as a platform for learners, families, and educators to connect with the purpose and work of the STEM program. The success of these events is reflected in our open enrollment numbers, consistently ranking among the highest in the district, showcasing the community's strong connection to our STEM offerings.

Observations on campus confirm that learners, families, and educators consistently align with the stated values and norms of the STEM program. In traditional subjects like ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science, students demonstrate the integration of critical thinking skills, technology, and innovative thinking to solve real-world problems. This alignment with program values is a testament to the pervasive influence of STEM principles across the curriculum.

Key initiatives, such as our unique STEM exploratory courses and technology integration in our classrooms, are emblematic of our commitment to the mission, beliefs, and expectations of our institution's STEM program. 

In true Sierra Verde fashion, we are looking to build on this foundation and expand our ability to paint a picture of the Sierra Verde experience.

Findings, Interpretations, and Prioritization:

Our institution's STEM program excels in fostering a culture where stakeholders feel connected and consistently align with STEM values. The success of events like STEAM Night and the high open enrollment numbers indicate a strong positive correlation between community engagement and the perceived value of our STEM program.

While the overall culture is thriving, there is an opportunity to enhance and expand initiatives that promote engagement. Specifically, increasing the frequency and diversity of STEM guest speakers and creating more avenues for hands-on, project-based learning experiences could further elevate the culture of STEM learning.

Given the foundational role of culture in influencing the success of STEM education, maintaining high performance in this area is a high priority. The positive culture not only attracts families to our institution but also ensures that learners are motivated and educators are inspired to deliver high-quality STEM education.

Action:

In conclusion, our theory of action is centered on fortifying and expanding initiatives that enhance the culture of STEM learning. If we continue to invest in events like STEAM Night or our future STEAM Career Day, diversifying guest speaker engagements, and promoting hands-on learning experiences, then we aim to not only maintain but elevate the positive culture that has become synonymous with our institution. This commitment will not only solidify our position as a leader in STEM education within the district but also ensure that our learners are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Our teachers are risk takers for the benefit of our students.