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Culture
Culture
Dillsboro Elementary School is a STEM-integrated school that provides students with a rigorous and engaging education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school's culture of STEM integration is evident in its curriculum, which incorporates STEM concepts into all subject areas. For example, students in English class might read a book about a scientist, and then conduct a science experiment to explore the topic further. In math class, students might use engineering principles to design and build a structure. And in social studies class, students might study the role of technology in society. Dillsboro Elementary School is a leader in STEM education, and its students are prepared for success in the 21st century.
1.1 Decision-Making
1.1 Decision-Making
At Dillsboro Elementary School, the STEM Leadership Team has always been dedicated to improving the STEM programming for their students. To achieve this goal, they decided to gather feedback from staff through the use of a survey. 12/12 staff members completed the survey demonstrating that feedback was provided by 100% of our staff. By incorporating this feedback into their decision-making process, the STEM Leadership Team has been able to create a more inclusive and effective STEM program that meets the needs of all students at Dillsboro Elementary School.
1.2 Common Work Time
1.2 Common Work Time
At Dillsboro Elementary, the teachers in the STEM program are committed to collaboration and interdisciplinary planning. They are allotted dedicated common work time on a weekly basis to come together as a team and design integrated STEM learning opportunities. During these sessions, they synergize their expertise from various disciplines, brainstorm innovative ideas, align learning objectives, and develop cross-curricular projects that engage students in meaningful, real-world problem-solving experiences. Through their collective efforts, these teachers foster a cohesive and comprehensive STEM program that maximizes student learning outcomes.
1.3 Sustainability Plan
1.3 Sustainability Plan
South Dearborn Community Schools has developed a 5-Year STEM Sustainability Plan which Dillsboro Elementary School uses that focuses on technology, STEM curriculum, and professional development. The plan outlines funding sources for each year, with the Textbook Rental Account being the primary source. PLTW Launch and PLTW Gateway for Grade 6 will be implemented each year, and internal PLTW training will be conducted as needed to address teacher turnover. Additionally, Title II and Title IV, along with High Ability Grants, will provide funding for the STEM program, ensuring its sustainability for the next five years.
1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interests
1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interests
Dillsboro Elementary takes a proactive approach to sustain its STEM certification by implementing a comprehensive five-year plan. This plan includes identifying and securing funding sources to support both technology infrastructure and ongoing STEM curriculum needs. Recognizing the potential impact of staff turnover, the school allocates resources for continuous training and professional development to ensure seamless knowledge transfer and maintain the quality of STEM education, allowing Dillsboro to sustain its commitment to excellence in STEM for years to come.
1.5 STEM Program Engagement
1.5 STEM Program Engagement
Dillsboro Elementary actively engages stakeholders, including parents, educational leaders, and community partners, in activities that foster reflection, growth, and promotion of the school's STEM program. Through regular communication, workshops, and events, the school encourages these stakeholders to provide input, share resources, and collaborate in enhancing the STEM curriculum, creating a supportive network that collectively drives the advancement of STEM education within the community.
1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback and Support
1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback and Support
Dillsboro Elementary takes a comprehensive approach to provide teachers with valuable STEM instructional feedback, ensuring ongoing professional growth. The school establishes clear evaluation indicators by creating a local feedback STEM instructional walkthrough tool, enabling the identification of targeted STEM instructional practices. Through training, all evaluators are equipped with the skills to effectively observe and assess these practices using the designated evaluation instrument.
Dillsboro Elementary is committed to providing teachers with ongoing support in their STEM instruction through monthly professional development opportunities. These include peer observation sessions, where teachers collaboratively observe and share effective STEM teaching practices. Lesson study groups enable educators to engage in collaborative planning, implementation, and reflection on STEM lessons, fostering continuous improvement.
1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs
1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs
At Dillsboro Elementary, all students actively participate in integrated STEM instruction and programming. The school ensures that during dedicated STEM instructional time, every student has the opportunity to engage in enriching STEM learning experiences without remediation or pull-out sessions, as all students deserve equal access to these valuable learning opportunities to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
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