At Florence B. Mathis Elementary, our evaluative process begins with students. Students document their own learning by utilizing journals and digital portfolios to record and reflect on their STEAM learning experiences. In terms of evaluating the effectiveness of our programs, our teachers monitor our students' learning daily by evaluating formative and summative assessments, and they collaborate with our instructional coaches and our administration to evaluate and plan next steps in effective instruction. Base on their needs, our teachers participate in ongoing improvement of professional STEAM teaching practices by participating in eMints training with our district, on campus STEMscopes, and Discovery Education resource improvement training, and district level curriculum resource workshops offered throughout the school year. Furthermore, to ensure Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures are implemented to fidelity, a Kagan coach visited every classroom to watch, review, and coach every teacher on their effectiveness of the structure.

Our coaches and our administration walk through classrooms daily to check for complete student and teacher engagement. Our instructional coaches meet with grade level teachers weekly to support instructional practices and plan professional development for sustainability of our STEAM vision. Teachers review data in their grade levels following summative assessments, as well as in monthly RTI meetings with administration, school counselors, ESL teachers, and special education teachers.

Continuous Planning and Engagement

Our instructional coaches communicate and plan for continuous improvement in our STEAM initiatives.