At Madison Elementary, teachers embrace an innovative, student-centered approach to STEM education, using a combination of inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and technology to foster deeper understanding and critical thinking skills. 100% of Madison grade-level teachers utilize a STEM instructional approach at least once per quarter through the school year. In these integrated STEM units, teachers utilize student work groups with roles and defined responsibilities. These groups encourage collaboration and peer learning, allowing students to work together on STEM projects, solve problems collectively, and share ideas. At Madison, these groups create a learning environment where students can share diverse perspectives, learn from each other, and apply STEM concepts in real-world contexts.

Through professional development opportunities such as PLTW (Project Lead The Way), project-based learning, and 2023 Indiana Science Standards training, Madison educators are continually refining their instructional practices, ensuring that they stay current with the latest research and best practices in STEM education. Also, Madison ensures our technology is current with the resources available to help students design, research, creation, communication, coding, etc. At least 75% of units in the implementation timelines use technology to help achieve these goals.

In conclusion, Madison Elementary’s approach to STEM education is centered around inquiry-based and project-based learning, supported by ongoing professional development, collaborative work groups, and the strategic use of technology. These elements work together to create an engaging, effective learning environment that prepares students for future success in STEM fields.

3.1 STEM Instructional Approach Training

At Madison Elementary School, professional development empowers teachers to continue utilizing evidence-based STEM teaching methods in the classroom. By staying informed on the latest STEM teaching methodology, teachers can adopt best practices that improve engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Such training ensures educators are equipped with effective strategies for fostering deeper understanding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over the past few years, Madison teachers have engaged in professional developments in project-based learning, PLTW, and the new 2023 Indiana Science Standards. These have been in-person trainings. Evidence includes rosters and summaries of trainings, agendas, and products created in the trainings.

3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation

For Madison teachers, implementing units that use a STEM instructional approach in the context of solving a real-world problem or challenge is important for developing the problem solvers of tomorrow. 100% of grade level teachers implement at least one integrated STEM unit per quarter. Additionally, grade level teachers have added in additional STEM learning opportunities that include dissections, presentations, field trips, partnerships with community partners, and more. Evidence includes roster of teachers utilizing STEM instructional approaches, calendar of STEM integration, calendars of implementation of all STEM learning opportunities for each grade level, and samples of units with corresponding student products.

3.2 STEM Instructional Approach Implementation

3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups

Student work groups in STEM learning foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By working together with defined roles and responsibilities, students can share diverse perspectives, tackle complex problems, and develop communication skills. These groups encourage active engagement, deepen understanding, and prepare students for real-world challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Over 50% of Madison grade level teachers utilize student work groups at least twice per week with measures of accountability to achieve project outcomes. Evidenced includes roster of grade level teachers frequency of instructional work groups, samples of unit plans highlighting work groups, examples of defined roles/responsibilities for primary and upper grades, and group and individual accountability plans.

3.3 Student Instructional Work Groups

3.4 Technology in Instruction

At Madison Elementary, technology plays a vital role in STEM learning, with students using various tools in over 75% of units to enhance their understanding. Through data collection, design, and research, technology empowers students to engage more deeply, develop critical skills, and apply knowledge in innovative ways. While technology is always evolving, Madison Elementary has worked to continue having the latest technology for student use. Evidence includes examples of technologies used, samples of student products, roster of technology used and frequency of use, and samples of unit plans utilizing technology.

3.4 Technology in Instruction