CREATE2THINK is the choice of  STEM Curriculum Southmont Jr. High 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers. This cross-disciplinary approach makes CREATE2THINK STEM Curriculum the core of STEM instruction across all junior high grades for 100% of students. All of lesson plans included in CREATE2THINK are considered Authentic STEM Integrations. This includes having all units aligned to the Indiana Academic Standards in as well as the Next Generation Science Standards.  By integrating CREATE2THINK with standards in other subjects, Southmont Jr. High provides students with an immersive, real-world STEM learning experience.

Southmont Schools have worked closely with Equitable Educations Solutions for many years in a variety of capacities including supporting the development of our STEM Program. CREATE2THINK was introduced to leadership and available for implementation in 2021. Since then, teachers have attend in-person trainings, collaborative workshops, and planning sessions as they implement, reflect, and revise the CREATE2THINK STEM curriculum across all schools and grade-levels.  As we enter the third full year of implementation, we have be diligently working with new teachers to provide them professional development opportunities to support them as they continue to meet the high expectations of Southmont Jr. High’s STEM initiative. 

Southmont Jr High Computer Science Scope and Sequence is a meticulously crafted and professional program, designed to seamlessly integrate computer science education into any classroom. Aligned with Indiana Academic Standards, which are conveniently grade-banded, the program empowers our teachers with thoughtfully structured lesson plans and activities, enabling them to confidently engage students in computer science concepts. The quarter-by-quarter sequence provides a flexible approach for teachers to cover all computer science standards effectively. Moreover, each standard is thoughtfully complemented with carefully curated activities, guaranteeing a comprehensive and enriching learning experience for students.

Southmont Schools have been selected for the implementation of the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Employability Skills Grant throughout our entire district. This exciting partnership entails the integration and assessment of employability skills standards across our curriculum, with a firm commitment to ensuring that our students are equipped with the essential skills vital for success in their future careers. By incorporating these skills into our instructional methods, we provide students with authentic opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism.

At Southmont Jr. High, our commitment to best educational practices is exemplified in the collaborative efforts of our general education teachers and support service teachers as they engage in purposeful planning for STEM material development, with a keen focus on meeting the needs of diverse learners. At Southmont, our unwavering dedication to educational excellence is exemplified by the synergy of teamwork, paving the way for optimal student success.

When it comes to assessments, 100% of Southmont Jr. High’s teachers use a variety of assessment methods, ranging from summative tests, student presentations, hands-on investigations, and more. Our Implementation Plan not only highlights the amazing work of our teachers when it comes to instruction, it also includes links to a variety of assessment samples.