Our District STEM Sustainability Plan demonstrates a long term commitment to the growth of the College & Career STEM program at Washington High School and "continued preparation for recertification 5 years from now. " This future growth includes STEM opportunities being developed throughout the K-12 system. .

Students see the relevance of the in-demand, transportable skills they develop through PLTW & STEM courses experiences. Students engage in authentic experiences that translate career awareness and exploration into career preparation through the integration of employability skills. Students are exposed to professionals in the STEM career clusters as they develop and leverage skills, knowledge, technology, and mindsets to be successful in their fields.

There has been a multi-faceted approach to STEM Professional Development for 9-12 staff at Washington High School. Through the use of staff surveys, we determined that relevant professional development that was needed for the classroom and was presented by Five Star Technologies, as well as through “Train the Teacher” methodology. These trainings have led to increased technology use in the classroom by students and staff, engaged learning, and increased student achievement.

Students in the Computer Science Pathway have demonstrated individual performance and received student recognition from the Advanced Placement College Board.

Students have access to STEM Courses & Programs throughout their high school career as either a concentrated Pathway or as optional elective. First Robotics is a co-curricular opportunity available during the school day and after hours. Many of these STEM courses are either AP or Dual Credit classes.

All teachers use a variety of assessment methods to monitor and evaluate both STEM learning and instructional effectiveness.

All students in the Washington High School College & Career Academy have the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers in all courses and pathways. All assigned projects have clearly defined roles students will carry out throughout the course of their tasks and rubrics that assess both individual accountability as well as group achievement. During student presentations, fellow classmates follow this rubric to provide additional feedback to their peers as a way to increase the engagement.

Project Lead the Way helps students see the relevance of the in-demand, transportable skills they develop through PLTW course experiences and empower and inspire students to make informed decisions related to career planning through career exploration opportunities.

Students presenting their Apps they developed to an "authentic audience" - Dr. Flora Jones - IDOE Director of Student Pathways.

Highly active & engaged Students Voice their support for STEM classes. Hear them talk about the impact the STEM Pathways have made on an individual basis.

Students at Daviess Community Hospital hearing about the various career opportunities.

Washington High School is proud to have such a large active group of community partnerships participating in the development and refinement of our STEM programming. Our students have benefited from the collaboration of their teachers and the community partners in the development of locally relevant STEM/PBL programming. From the Daviess County Economic Development Corp, Toyota, Crane Naval Base, the Daviess Community Hospital, and even our own Alumni Program, our students are encouraged to explore STEM opportunities in the classroom and within the community.

Washington High School provides multiple opportunities beyond the classroom to engage in STEM practices through the incorporation of our highly engaging Robotics Team: Hatchet Robotics, our Beta Engineering Club, and our Daviess County CEO Program.