South Central Elementary School showcases a fervent commitment to advancing STEM education, marked by extensive teacher training and a transformative instructional approach. Every classroom teacher at the school has undergone rigorous Problem-Based Learning Certification through Equitable Education Solution’s courses, a step towards achieving STEM Certification. This endeavor underscores the school's commitment to fostering a problem-solving ethos among students by challenging them with real-world problems. An exemplary achievement in this direction is the inclusion of a School Leadership Team member in the Engineering Teachers of the Future program at Valparaiso University, further enriching the school's STEM instructional capacity.

At South Central Elementary School, 100% of teachers are embracing a transformative STEM instructional approach, immersing students in the real-world problem-solving framework provided by the CREATE2THINK STEM Curriculum. Within the ambit of this curriculum, all 72 meticulously designed units channel students' curiosity towards addressing authentic real-world challenges through a seamless integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As they traverse through these units, students are not merely learning; they are evolving into thoughtful problem solvers, equipped with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complex issues of the modern world. This practice inculcates a deep sense of relevance and applicability of STEM concepts, as students witness firsthand the impact and utility of their learning in addressing tangible challenges.

At South Central, 100% of teachers are dedicated to providing STEM-focused learning opportunities in their classrooms, cultivating an environment of collaboration among students. Students are grouped based on the requirements of STEM projects, where they actively engage in questioning, brainstorming, and utilizing the design process to make informed decisions. Each group member is assigned at least one well-defined role that is critical to the successful completion of the project. Accountability for each individual, as well as the entire group, is measured and recorded. This systematic approach to collaborative learning is reinforced through weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) where teachers plan for student instructional work groups, and incorporate defined student roles and accountability plans in their STEM unit lesson plans.