Dillsboro Elementary School is integrating ELA and STEM content across grade levels while simultaneously implementing one Project Lead the Way module per quarter. This integration is designed to provide students with a more holistic understanding of the world around them, and to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
At Dillsboro Elementary, the K-6 classrooms embrace the transformative power of the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Curriculum. Following PLTW's APB Model of instruction, students actively engage in the process of learning through activities, projects, and problems. This evidence-based approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering students to become lifelong learners and innovators. Moreover, PLTW's curriculum aligns seamlessly with Indiana Academic Standards for science and engineering, ensuring that students not only develop a strong foundation in these subjects but also acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Fourth grade STEM students at Dillsboro Elementary School used the Tinkercard software to create 3D designs for a night light. Students then added circuits, batteries, lights, and a switch to the printed designs. During this process, students utilized the Engineering Design Process to identify the problem, brainstorm, design, build, test, and redesign before sharing their solutions. Great problem-solving, Bulldogs!
Over the course of three years, Dillsboro Elementary has successfully implemented Project Lead the Way (PLTW) as a core part of their curriculum, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking. Through PLTW, students have engaged in hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, developing essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that have empowered them to become confident and creative learners.
Dillsboro Elementary has made computer science education accessible to all students within their building, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to engage with this critical field. Through a comprehensive approach, they have integrated computer science into their curriculum, offering hands-on projects and activities that equip students with essential skills, fostering a culture of technological literacy and innovation.
Dillsboro Elementary has been dedicated to equipping all students in their building with essential employability skills by incorporating the Indiana Employability Skills into their curriculum so that 100% of the students at Dillsboro have the opportunity to develop these meaningful, transferable skills. Through a holistic approach, they have integrated these skills into various subjects, providing students with opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professionalism, ensuring their readiness for future careers and success in the ever-changing workforce.
At Dillsboro Elementary, general education classroom teachers, special education teachers, and supportive service teachers collaborate closely to provide comprehensive support for students with unique learning needs, with a particular focus on STEM material and content. Through joint planning and coordination, these educators create inclusive learning environments where students with diverse abilities can actively engage in STEM activities, leveraging the expertise of all teachers to address individualized learning goals and promote equitable access to STEM education for all students.
Teachers at Dillsboro Elementary employ a diverse range of assessment formats to effectively evaluate STEM learning in their classrooms. Through a combination of hands-on projects, written assignments, presentations, and collaborative discussions, they gather comprehensive data on students' understanding, problem-solving skills, and application of STEM concepts, enabling them to provide targeted feedback and support to foster continuous growth and development in STEM education.