A school committed to fostering a STEM culture must be proactive in identifying opportunities that go beyond the obvious applications of STEM. At Our Lady of Grace, we actively encourage our teachers to collaborate across grade levels, offering students take-home projects and learning experiences that benefit all students and the broader community. We emphasize the incorporation of a variety of instructional levels to cater to diverse student needs.

At Our Lady of Grace, we understand that STEM is not confined to traditional science or math classes. We recognize its value in less familiar areas such as grammar, music, religion, and writing. Our goal is to not only ensure students master standard content but also to provide them with hands-on STEM projects as alternative assessment methods. These projects reinforce the Engineering Design Process and challenge students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. In doing so, we empower students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts through practical, real-world applications, creating a richer and more engaging educational experience.

Over the span of five years, our commitment to integrated STEM education has been unwavering, as we diligently and faithfully implemented our integrated STEM curriculum. This journey was marked by a well-structured curriculum implementation plan with our recent IDOE STEM grant that ensured the smooth and effective incorporation of STEM principles into our educational framework.

The foundation for our success lay in our detailed timeline, meticulously crafted to guide the step-by-step implementation of the integrated STEM curriculum. Each milestone on this timeline was a testament to our dedication and progress.

From the initial stages of curriculum development to the introduction of innovative teaching methodologies, the timeline chronicled our journey towards a STEM-infused learning environment. It showcased the collaborative efforts of our educators, administrators, and support staff, all working together to bring the vision of integrated STEM education to life.

As we reflect on this transformative process, it's evident that the implementation of integrated STEM education has not been a destination but a continuous journey. The five-year commitment to this curriculum has allowed us to evolve, adapt, and refine our practices, always with the goal of providing our students with the best possible STEM learning experiences. It has been a journey be one that will continue to shape the future of our students.

At Our Lady of Grace, our primary focus is to equip our students with 21st-century skills. We achieve this by actively engaging with our community partners, stakeholders, and peer-reviewed research to ensure that our students have the maximum exposure to various careers and the essential skills needed for those careers. This exposure is provided through a variety of means, including individual and group projects, effective planning, procurement of necessary supplies, time management, opportunities for presentations, and collaborative learning experiences. The multifaceted approach to education, combined with the integration of employability skills standards, is designed to equip our students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experiences to thrive in their future careers and positively impact society. This comprehensive educational strategy aims to provide our students with a well-rounded foundation that goes beyond traditional academic learning and focuses on the development of practical, employable skills and a sense of social responsibility. It prepares them to be not only successful professionals but also responsible and engaged members of the community. 

At Our Lady of Grace, we prioritize meeting the diverse needs of our learners through regular collaborative efforts. Classroom teachers convene monthly with our Support Services Coordinator, Nonpublic/Private School Coordinator, EL Collaborative Teacher & Coordinator to address these needs effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that we can provide tailored support to a wide range of students.

We recognize the importance of inclusivity and have a Hispanic Cultural Liaison available to assist families, students, and teachers. This liaison plays a crucial role in establishing meaningful connections and ensuring a culturally responsive educational environment for our students.

In addition to these efforts, visual accommodations are employed to enhance the learning experience in our classes. Teachers create and share visuals as necessary, ensuring that the learning process is personalized to cater to the individual needs of each student. This approach reflects our commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all our students.

At Our Lady of Grace, our teachers employ a diverse range of assessment methods and tools to effectively prepare our students for future evaluations, with a particular focus on STEM projects. These assessment methods play a crucial role in promoting student learning and skill development. Here is an overview of the assessment methods we utilize:

Rubrics provide a structured and clear way to assess and grade student work, offering specific criteria and expectations for projects, ensuring consistent and objective evaluation.

Visual Assessment involves evaluating visual components like diagrams, charts, and graphs, which is especially relevant in subjects like science and mathematics.

One-to-One Conferencing offers individual conferences with students, providing a personalized and in-depth way to discuss their projects, address questions, and offer feedback, facilitating a deeper understanding of their thought process and addressing specific needs.

Presentations allow students to present their STEM projects to the class, enhancing communication and public speaking skills, while allowing teachers to assess their understanding of the topic.

Video Projects integrate multimedia and technology into the assessment process, offering an engaging way for students to showcase their knowledge and skills.

Peer Analysis encourages students to evaluate their peers' work, promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the development of critical thinking skills.

Self-Evaluations prompt students to reflect on their work and learning process, fostering self-awareness and metacognition.

By using this combination of assessment methods, our school ensures that students are evaluated from various angles, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of their skills, strengths, and areas where improvement may be needed. This aligns with modern pedagogical approaches that emphasize a holistic, student-centered view of education, particularly important in STEM fields where problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are essential.