Self-Assessment Rating: 4

Pinecrest Academy of Nevada embraces collaboration at both the system and school level. Therefore, Pinecrest Academy of Nevada - Cadence Campus works in conjunction with its 4 sister schools to develop strategic plans aligned to a common STEM vision. The administration teams from across the five campuses meet monthly to formulate collective goals and develop plans to support each other in improved instructional practice. Since preparing students for 21st century careers in STEM fields is a main priority for Pinecrest schools, system leaders determined that continuous improvements to STEM instruction should be a key focus for professional development and collaboration. In response to that goal, administration developed a system-wide STEM Leadership Committee comprised of teacher representatives from each campus and every grade level. These STEM leaders were given STEM lesson design training and time to co-plan STEM Infusion Units. After working together to formulate plans, STEM Leaders collectively trained the remainder of their grade-level teams at a system "Data Day" dedicated to STEM collaboration. STEM Leaders were also brought together for reflection, additional training, and more collaboration time to continue their efforts in building integrated STEM experiences for all Pinecrest students.

Pinecrest Academy of Nevada - Cadence Campus (PAC) was fortunate to be invited to attend the 2018-2019 Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology STEM Leaders Academy. During the year-long course, representatives of the Cadence team were able to participate in professional development designed to guide their school staff in the STEM self-assessment process as well as the development of a site-specific plan for improvement in STEM education programs and processes. In conjunction with the Academy, PAC was able to apply for the Nevada Governor's STEM Designation and was ultimately recognized as a Governor Designated Nevada STEM School. The culminating project from the Academy is included below, which summarizes the System-Wide Strategic Plan.

At Pinecrest Academy of Nevada - Cadence Campus, it is a priority that our teachers are given time to meet with their grade-level and discipline teams to facilitate collaborative planning of teaching practices for improved student outcomes. Because of this, PAC all elementary and many secondary teams are given common prep schedules to facilitate collaboration. Elementary teams meet weekly to lesson plan, modify and enhance curricular units, and discuss student outcomes. Because STEM is a priority at Cadence, teams spent time diving into the System-Wide common STEM Infused Units that coordinated with the standards-based curriculum. Teams also worked to determine additional ways STEM thinking and problem-solving could be used throughout the instructional day and across multiple content areas through the use of the Pinecrest Academy Design Process. Teachers also collaborated with our STEM specialist to develop continuity between concepts being covered in the general education curriculum and the STEM classroom.

Our Pinecrest System was founded on the premise of system-wide collaboration for the benefit of all Pinecrest students. At the end of the previous school year and the beginning of the new school year, Pinecrest brings its teacher leaders together for professional learning opportunities associated with leading an effective team. During these trainings, teacher leaders also develop a subsequent professional development day for the remainder of their grade-level or discipline cohort. Leaders then have the opportunity to guide their respective teams through a planning and collaboration day tailored specifically to the cohort's needs.

Additionally, STEM Specialists from across the system meet to collaborate on the vision, mission, and role of STEM Leaders in enhancing STEM learning across the five campuses. During this time, STEM specialists discuss their roles in the implementation of our System-Wide Strategic Plan for STEM education and develop steps in meeting the goals outlined in the plan for the coming year.

During the entire school year, Pinecrest has already established professional collaboration days each month where students are dismissed early and teachers remain to participate in professional development, collaborative planning, and data analysis opportunities. These days alternate between system-wide collaboration and school-specific focuses. These days have provided and will continue to allow teachers the time to process and analyze STEM initiatives both at a system and school level.

• Continue to research best practices in STEM education and provide professional development specifically designed to support improved instruction
• Provide more opportunities for secondary teachers to collaborate on STEM integration into core content areas
• Increase outreach with community partners, like the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology and City of Henderson, to ensure our STEM learning opportunities for students revolve around current, in-demand careers for Southern Nevada