Essential Elements

Each of the six Essential Elements represents one aspect of our STEM program. Viewed holistically, these Essential Elements serve as evidence of a connected, integrated, and collaborative STEM program for the College & Career Academy at Washington High School.

Essential Element #1

Essential1

The Mission of the STEM Leadership Team is to promote the implementation and opportunities of rigorous STEM pedagogy within a rich and meaningful project based learning environment for ALL students.

The Vision of the STEM Leadership Team of the College & Career Academy at Washington High School is to define the scope of our STEM program at the secondary level. We provide students with rigorous and meaningful opportunities to connect STEM principles to real-world experiences.

Essential Element #2

Essential2

Project Lead The Way is the cornerstone of our defined STEM program. PLTW students engage in hands-on STEM activities, projects, and problems that are reflective of real-world challenges. This compelling, real-world approach empowers students to learn essential, in-demand skills in a Project Based Learning environment.

Essential Element #3

Essential3

Student access to Computer Science programs have expanded over the past several years. PLTW Computer Science was first piloted in 2019. The Computer Science Pathway now includes PLTW Cyber Security, AP Computer Science A & AP Computer Science Principles. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Robotics for HS Credit.

Essential Element #4

Essential4

Teachers are regularly provided STEM Instructional Feedback through locally created walkthroughs as well as informal peer-to-peer feedback as a result of collaboration. Washington Community Schools also provides teachers with the support of a dedicated STEM Integration Specialist.

Essential Element #5

Essential5

Students enrolled in the STEM programs of WHS have access to a wide range of Technology Tools that are provided to allow all students to collect, collaborate, and analyze data in their decision making processes.

Students from Construction Class building the Christmas Lights Display that was created by the students in the Computer Science Program.

Essential Element #6

Essential6

Our strategic partners regularly provide Program Feedback that ensures our graduates are meeting the local and regional needs of the community. Regional partnerships include Toyota & Naval Surface Warfare Center; local partners include Daviess Community Hospital & Daviess County Economic Development Corporation.

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