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Loogootee Community Schools is a rural school district that has been developing in many ways. The district serves 760 students in kindergarten through twelfth grades. The leadership in the district have worked tirelessly to develop a strategic plan for improvement. Much of this improvement hinged on the need to engage students in STEM education, as a response to an article written by the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth. This article explains that the county ranks 4th highest in the nation with regards to STEM related jobs.
Administrative personnel and responsibilities have been changed as the school board seeks to create a team of professionals whom are focused on increasing student success and creating a school that prepares the leaders of tomorrow.
Three years ago, LCSC developed as strategic plan. At the center of the strategic plan was the instructional core which was being supported by intentional alignment of resources, stakeholders, systems, and processes. The instructional core consisted of interactions between students, content, and teachers. The district’s leadership was committed to making decisions that support the instructional core and the goals therein.
There were three goals for the strategic plan each of which will be realized through two strategies. The district leadership knew that the Ready Schools Planning Grant would be a valuable transition into making the changes needed to move the instructional core into higher levels of success. While not without growing pains, the process has resulted in a developed implementation plan that comes alongside the district’s strategic plan. Two teams were created for the planning grant. The Leadership Team is composed of teachers at all levels, administration, the superintendent, and district readiness coordinators. The other team was the Education and Workforce Advisory Team (EWAT) that included community leaders, industry leaders, and school board members. During a recent staff meeting, the district readiness coordinator asked the staff to stand if they had participated in the process by one or more of the following: interviews, school visits, surveys, or planning sessions. All members of the staff were standing except for two. This level of involvement is evidence of the district’s commitment to improvement.
The strategic plan resulted in LCSC being the smallest district in Indiana to implement Project Lead the Way (PLTW) from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade as well as implement multiple STEM pathways and a cross curricular WorkPlace Simulation (WPS) Project in partnership with Indiana University and community partners.
1.1 Decision-Making
1.1 Decision-Making
The Leadership Team, developed as part of the Ready School Design Process, met twice a month after school throughout the last 18 months. The Team also had two off-site retreats throughout the school year. The Team interviewed students, staff, parents, and community and industry leaders to develop an understanding of their perspective of Loogootee Community School Corporation (LCSC) and its work. During the planning process, members of the leadership team and other school staff visited various models to determine which would be the best response to the identified needs. The team visited schools based on innovative models, hands on learning initiatives, specific programs, and university involvement. The team met frequently to discuss the most powerful components of each model and how they may fit together in Loogootee.
LCSC staff members met as a whole corporation to brainstorm ideas and provide input to help drive our plan of future STEM endeavors for LCSC. The data from these meetings showed that our staff felt a need for internships, PBL's, soft skills, career exploration, and STEM exposure. We are dedicated to making sure our students are equipped for the 21st century workforce.
LCSC Leadership Team Members:
Chip Mehaffey, Superintendent cmehaffey@loogootee.k12.in.us
Chris Walker, Jr/Sr High School Principal cjwalker@loogootee.k12.in.us
Shelley Christmas, Director of Curriculum & HS Science Teacher schristmas@loogootee.k12.in.us
Cory Julian, Middle School Assistant Principal cjulian@loogootee.k12.in.us
Lacey Wade, Elementary Principal lwade@loogootee.k12.in.us
Chris Woodard, High School Engineering Teacher cwoodard@loogootee.k12.in.us
Shelly Lengacher, High School Business Teacher slengacher@loogootee.k12.in.us
Tracie McAtee, 6th Grade Teacher tmcatee@loogootee.k12.in.us
Jill Toy, 4th Grade Teacher jtoy@loogootee.k12.in.us
Krista Truelove, 3rd Grade Teacher ktruelove@lootootee.k12.in.us
Seasonal Lawson, 2nd Grade Teacher slawson@loogootee.k12.in.us
LES STEM Team Members:
Lacey Wade, Elementary Principal lwade@loogootee.k12.in.us
Jill Toy, 4th Grade Teacher jtoy@loogootee.k12.in.us
Brittney Gibson, 3rd Grade Teacher bgibson@loogootee.k12.in.us
Seasonal Lawson, 2nd Grade Teacher slawson@loogootee.k12.in.us
Shannon Wagler, 1st Grade Teacher swagler@loogootee.k12.in.us
Hannah Kidwell, Kindergarten Teacher hkidwell@loogootee.k12.in.us
EWAT Team / Community Members:
Amy Fellers, Branch Manager @ Crane Federal Credit Union
Barb Strahley, Human Resources @ NSWC Crane
Brent Courter, Financial Strategist @ Edward Jones
Chad Wade, Insurance Agent @ Farm Bureau Insurance
Noel Harty, City of Loogootee Mayor
Phillip Smith, Supervisory Engineer @ NSWC Crane
Pam Loughmiller, Loughmiller Tool and Design
Travis Summers, Mechanical Engineer @ NSWC Crane
Brooke Hawkins, Chiropractor @ Hawkins Health
LES STEM Implementation Plan
(2017-2018) Year 1: STEM Fridays
(2018-2019) Year 2: STEM Fridays, 1 PLTW module, Makerspace
(2019-2020) Year 3: STEM Fridays, 4 PLTW modules, Makerspace, Pathway/STEM exposure
(2020-2021) Year 4: STEM Fridays, 4 PLTW modules, Makerspace, Pathways/STEM exposure, Project Based Learning
Our plan is to make sure that every student has the opportunity to receive exposure to STEM related curriculum and pathways that will prepare them for their future.
Communith Meeting - Individuals Placing Importance on Each Aspect of Education Image
Design Team Meeting Email with Members as Recipients of Email
September 2019 Agenda ( see document on display on right)
1.2 Continuity of Learning Plan
1.2 Continuity of Learning Plan
All of our teachers have been trained in PBL. Project based learning is used by required by the district and is used by every teacher in our corporation through teacher-developed lessons. Teachers continue to go to other districts to observe STEM learning for inspiration and guidance. Four different modules from PLTW Launch is used each grade level during the school year. During PBL lessons and PLTW classes, students are put into groups of four and are given different roles. These roles include "Leader," "Material Manager," "Researcher," and "Time Keeper."
With the closures that occurred in the Spring of 2020 due to COVID, teachers at LES had to re-evaluate their preparedness to deal with not being able to interact with students in-person. Over the course of the remainder of the school year, throughout this school year, and now, all teachers in the corporation have held practice remote sessions with students to ensure they are able to use their Chromebooks to assess classroom lessons. PLTW has added remote learning aspects to their modules to allow for a continued use of PLTW learning when at home. The corporation uses Zoom sessions to meet with students when they are quarantined so they don't miss any valuable information while away from the classroom.
PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
More PBL Lessons Created by LCSC Teachers
Notes from visiting another district to gain inspiration
Student Roles
1.3 Common Work Time
1.3 Common Work Time
Teachers in each grade level have common daily planning time to collaborate on instruction, instructional tools, curriclum mapping, PLTW curriculum, STEM activities, career pathways, and to learn and work with their colleagues that are STEM Fellows.
In addition, LCSC has early release times on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of each month dedicated to professional development. The entire LCSC staff met three times to learn about the proposed model and provide structured feedback. This school year, LCSC devotes one of the early release times to work with a Magnify Learning PBL Coach and works on other early release time to collaborate on inquiry-based instruction across grade levels. Last year, LCSC devoted one of the early release times each month to collaboration on STEM education and instruction across the corporation. Corporation administration designated Title II and ROI Grant money toward professional development in which subs are hired for half or full days to allow teachers to collaborate on curriculum and attend needed trainings.
During PLC meetings, ALL teachers (general and special education) from that grade level are in attendance.
School Calendar with Early Release Days
2019-20 Early Release Attendance Sheet Upload
2020-21 Early Release Attendance Sheet Upload
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - Kindergarten
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 1st Grade
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 2nd Grade
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 3rd Grade
2020-21 Common Planning Time / PLC Agendas - 4th Grade
Email Planning PBL Coaching Times with Diane Clancy from Magnify Learning
1.4 Sustainability Plan
1.4 Sustainability Plan
Our curriculum funding comes from several resources including:
ROI Grant - 5 year plan
Title 2 funds for professional development
High Ability funding for robotics
Multiple STEM grants
Our corporation is committed to furthering our STEM curriculum in the future and will help contribute to the sustainability. When the 2020-21 LEA Contracts were discussed, Robotics Coaches were added to the ECA budget to support our mission to increase quality STEM education in our corporation.
2019-2020 ROI Ready School Grant Narrative Evaluation
Martin County Community Foundation Grant (See image to right)
1.5 Measurement of Students' Attitudes/Interests
1.5 Measurement of Students' Attitudes/Interests
Students in all grade levels are given a career interest survey. Results from these surveys help drive our STEM instruction and topics throughout the year.
As part of our Ready School Design Process, students were asked questions to determine their understanding of Career and Post-Secondary opportunities, dreams for the school, satisfactions, frustrations. These interviews were synthesized by the entire Design Team. Once the interview notes were reviewed, the students comments were placed into the categories noted below.
Satisfactions: School Culture and Course Offerings
Students like that there are STEM projects in the elementary school. Even high school students are aware of the STEM learning that occurs in the elementary school.
Hopes & Wishes: School/Classes and Career Exposure
Students would like opportunities to learn about the career opportunities available in the region.
Students were surveyed at the completion of the 2019-2020 school year to gather feedback on their thoughts about their experiences throughout the school year.
Students were also surveyed in the Fall of 2020 and provided their likes and dislikes on different tasks to track endeavors and interests as students progress through each grade level.
Student Survey Results on Mane Traits, PBL, PLTW
Survey Narrative and Next Steps
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1.6 Student/Parent Feedback Data
After completing the 2019-2020 school year, students completed 2 years of STEM instruction that includes PLTW, Makerspace, STEM challenges, and PBL. Students and parents were given a survey that will provide the school and staff with information that will help guide and revise the STEM educational opportunities that LES students receive.
Over 100 interviews were conducted with students, parents and community members to help LCSC determine the needs of our students and how to incorporate them into the 21 Century classroom. Students, staff, and community members were also surveyed at the end of last year to gather data on their thoughts on STEM Instruction, PLTW, PBL, and the Mane Traits.
1.7 STEM Instructional Feedback
1.7 STEM Instructional Feedback
LCSC administration is visible and provides frequent walkthroughs and observations. Professional development is provided based on the corporation’s STEM initiative. Administrators are part of the STEM leadership team and attend all trainings and site visits to become knowledgeable in STEM education. Administrators look for active classroom participation, informal questioning techniques, and informal checks for understanding. During observations, the interaction is scribed and the evaluator does not use subjective observations for the evaluation. LCSC evaluation tool has been approved by the state and includes indicators:
Teacher effectively integrates technology by immersing students in learning through the student’s own use of the technology device,
Teacher efficiently and frequently uses a variety of Formative Assessments to constantly monitor student learning,
Teacher uses differentiated classroom assignments in an exemplary manner to reach all students ranging from those who struggle through those who excel in the subject area,
Teacher uses a wide variety of instructional strategies and activities that are academically rigorous and highly engaging, and
Teacher regularly shares newly learned knowledge with others and leads professional development.
Teacher implments PBL
All of the teachers in the corporation work with a PBL Certified Trainer once monthly to discuss implementation plans, to learn more about best practices of this learning strategy, and to get feedback from a Magnify Learning PBL Coach.
Email Planning PBL Coaching Times with Diane Clancy from Magnify Learning
Example Teacher Feedback from Long Evaluation
Example Scripting from Short Evaluation
Image of Zoom Training with Diane Clancy from Magnify Learning (See image to right)
Student, Teacher, Community Survey Results on PLTW, PBL, and Mane Traits
1.8 Instructional Support
1.8 Instructional Support
Teachers experience these forms on instructional support, related to STEM instruction, on a quarterly basis:
peer observation - monthly observations
coaching - feedback from peers
coaching - PBL coaching from Magnify Learning once monthly during early release time
modeling - staff share during monthly meetings
mentoring - we have 1 STEM Fellow per grade level and 2 PLTW Master Teachers
targeted professional development sessions - early release days
curriculum training - PLTW and Project Based Learning
trips to schools for inspiration and guidance
PBL Bimonthly Coaching Invoice + Final Payment of PBL Training
Notes and Reflection from Trip to Another School
Notes and Reflection from Peer Observations
Makerspace Professional Development Lesson
Magnify Learning PBL List of Individuals Trained and that Work with PBL Coach once Monthly
Elementary and Middle School teachers meets with Diane Clancy of Magnify Learning on the first Wednesday of every month during our early release time
Professional Development Reflection by Teacher
Goal Sheet
1.9 STEM Communications
1.9 STEM Communications
Technology is used many ways to communicate internally and externally about STEM activities and initiatives. All staff members are required to have a school Twitter account and tweet STEM activities and projects occurring in their classrooms. We have been interviewed by WTHI TV Channel 10 out of Terre Haute, and the IU television station about the exciting initiatives occurring in our schools. Our publicity class also produces its own infomercials each month called “The 5” which is a series of five exciting initiatives at Loogootee. The publicity class has taken over a local cable channel and shows the information 24 hours a day to promote Loogootee activities and initiatives. We send mass emails, text messages, and phone calls through SendIt and Skyward to notify parents of parent meetings and community events highlighting the changes in our curriculum and initiatives. Internally, LCSC uses Google Docs to collaborate on grants, brochures, and curriculum. LCSC uses Canvas, google classroom, and the PLTW platform for assignments and student communication. LCSC uses Google Forms to assess teacher, student, and parent perceptions regarding eLearning and STEM initiatives.
Teachers at LES use Twitter, SeeSaw, Remind, Instagram, and Facebook to communicate about STEM education and happenings at Loogootee Community Schools. LES Principal, Lacey Wade, sends out weekly updates on Facebook and sends direct messages to groups of parents through our communication application, SendIt.
Twitter Feeds:
Facebook Feed:
Instagram Feed:
1.10 Equity
1.10 Equity
EVERY STUDENT in grades K-4 are involved in PBL and PLTW coursework.
The master schedule has a 30 minute PLTW time for ALL K-4 students. This is a protected time that ALL students are in the general ed classroom. Students are not pulled out for Title 1, resource, or remediation during this time. Monthy all students are engaged in a STEM project or activity. Teachers are also incorporating STEM and PBL activities throughout the year in their own classroom based upon their curriculum needs.
We have a diverse robotics club comprised of equal numbers of boys and girls and have a team made of only females. Our Math Bowl team is comprised of 8 girls and 5 boys.
Reading Curriculum Map Including Science Example
PLTW Launch Modules Used at Each Grade Level
Three LES Robotics Teams Pictures (below and to the right)
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