Education Commons^™

Becoming A Stem-Focused Catholic School: Insights Into Adopting A Curricular Specialization, Julie W. Dallavis

Journal of Catholic Education

School choice policies seek to increase access to educational opportunities and stimulate innovations in schooling. This study examines the early stages of one such innovation—school-wide curricular specialization—in three Catholic elementary schools adopting a STEM focus and uses interviews to consider how and why different levels of support exist for the shift and under what conditions private and religious schools are prepared to make significant changes in instructional practice. Findings suggest that school resources—material, human, and social along with professional development—play an important role in shaping engagement in the adoption of a school-wide curricular focus.

Streaming With Butterflies: A Whole School Stream Project, Carey L. Averill, Janet M. Herrelko

Journal of Catholic Education

This study explores the commitment of a school faculty to use the pedagogical practices needed to employ a project-based unit of Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM). The unit of study concentrated on environmental sustainability of butterflies through project-based learning (PBL). Teacher interviews were analyzed to reveal the similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses in the teachers’ reactions to implementing a cross-curricula content unit designed for a pre-kindergarten (PK) to eighth grade school. Analysis of teacher data and classroom artifacts provided evidence of: content mastery at the student levels; implementation of scaffolding for developmental levels; and the need …

Creative Stem Learning By Third Grade Students, Devon Marques, Jennifer Curry, Rebecca Kreider

STEM Month

At Sandshore School, STEM is infused in students’ week through the engagement of challenges and project based learning activities created and planned by our media specialist. For students, these hands-on learning activities allow time for students to collaborate with peers, express their individual ideas, learn through trial and error, and critically think using problem solving skills. Students thrive in this type of learning environment while learning skills to build self-esteem, confidence and communication. STEM education is not only engaging for all types of learners, it also provides students with real life skills targeted for success.

YouTube Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6edisr7YAc&feature=youtu.be

Creating Stem Momentum: Culturally Relevant Leadership And Hispanic Girls In High School T- Stem Programs In The Southwest Border Region, Antoinette Howard, Pamela Gray, Kristin Kew

School Leadership Review

This qualitative multi-case research study identified culturally relevant leadership practices that influence the outreach, recruitment, and retention of Hispanic girls in Texas Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (T-STEM) programs in a School District in the Southwest Border region. Educators have a social justice responsibility to challenge the inequitable social, cultural, and political constructs in their schools and districts and address the unique needs of students who represent underserved racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. Administrators in this study acknowledged the hegemonic structures and barriers they and their students faced and shared some of their strategies and ideologies for school improvement and …

Exploring Stem Kit Diagrams For Braille Readers In Inclusive Classrooms, Sariat A. Adelakun Dr

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Diagrams appears in many school subjects but more prominent in science and mathematics taught in schools. Accessing these diagrams in an inclusive classroom has been identified to be problematic for blind students partly due to the teaching resources available and personnel type, support and sufficiency. Diagrams are mostly omitted by teachers leaving the blind person out in such classroom to access portion of education received by their peers. In many instances, questions with diagrams are treated as bonus for blind students in some countries which is not fair to them. This study explored the efficacy of STEM Kit diagrams on …

Teaching Cybersecurity To Students With Visual Impairments And Blindness, Jesse R. Hairston, Tania Williams, Derrick W. Smith Ed.D., Coms, William T. Sabados Ph.D., Steven Forney

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

This work showcases specific adaptations used to make cybersecurity accessible to high school students with visual impairments and blindness (VIB). The rapidly growing field of cybersecurity demands a diverse workforce; however, barriers exist which can deter students with disabilities from studying cybersecurity, let alone pursuing a career in the field. To help overcome this challenge, we launched the first GenCyber camp specifically developed and instructed for high school students with VIB in summer 2019. We created a unique learning environment by combining interactive instructional aids, accessible development environments, and innovative instructional strategies. With intent to show cybersecurity as a viable …

See3d: 3d Printing For People Who Are Blind, Caroline Frances Karbowski

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Abstract

Objects such as snowflakes, castles, and butterflies have become more than just words when explored as a 3D print. The founder’s passion for braille led to the creation of the program See3D, which organizes the printing and distribution of 3D printed models for people who are blind. 3D prints such as DNA, cells, animals, constellations, telescopes, historic landmarks, logos, and maps were created to fulfill requests by people who are blind for tactile learning tools. Recipients shared their feedback on how to improve the models, and the printing and distribution service. See3D seeks to spread awareness about accessibility by …

Using Argument-Based Science Inquiry To Improve Science Achievement For Students With Disabilities In Inclusive Classrooms, Jonte C. Taylor, Ching-Mei Tseng, Angelique Murillo, William Therrien, Brian Hand

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities have long lagged behind their non-disabled peers when it comes to science achievement. The increased emphasis on STEM related careers and the use of science in everyday life makes learning science content and concepts critical for all students especially for those with disabilities. As suggested by the National Resource Council (2012), more emphasis is being placed on being able to critically think about science concepts in and outside of the classroom. Additionally, the Next Generation Science Standards are asking teachers and students to better understand how science is connected to the everyday world through the use of …

Stem Certification In Georgia’S Schools: A Causal Comparative Study Using The Georgia Student Growth Model, David E. Proudfoot, Ed.D., Michael Green, Ph.D., Jan W. Otter, Ph.D., David L. Cook, Ed.D.

Georgia Educational Researcher

The increase in demand for college and career ready students has driven the need for education reform to ensure K–12 schools can support student learning across all content areas and grade levels. A STEM Certification process was established by the Georgia Department of Education as part of an effort to reform public school STEM education. Additionally, an international STEM Certification procedure developed by AdvancED has been implemented in several Georgia schools. As a significant component of STEM certification guidelines, problem based learning has been incorporated to stimulate student interest in science, facilitate self-regulation, and increase pedagogical and content knowledge. As …

What I Taught My Stem Instructor About Teaching: What A Deaf Student Hears That Others Cannot, Annemarie Ross, Randy K. Yerrick

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

Overall, science teaching at the university level has remained in a relatively static state. There is much research and debate among university faculty regarding the most effective methods of teaching science. But it remains largely rhetoric. The traditional lecture model in STEM higher education is limping along in its march toward inclusion and equity. The NGSS and Common Core reform efforts do little to help university science teachers to change their orientation from largely lecture-driven practice with laboratory supplements. While it is impossible to address all diverse student groups, the need for accommodations tend to be overlooked. As a Deaf …

Developing Teacher Leaders In Math And Science: Content Coaches Mentoring Teacher Leaders, Andrea Kent, Andre Green, Phillip Feldman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The AMSTI (Alabama Math Science Technology Initiative)-USA Fellows program, a collaboration between a university College of Education and Arts & Sciences, State Department of Education, and local school district, was created to develop Teacher Leaders in AMSTI Mathematics and Science. The specific focus of this research was to examine the mentoring provided to the Teacher Leaders Fellows, and to determine if the professional development provided to the teacher leaders helped them develop mentoring skills to mentor and coach the AMSTI teachers with whom they worked. At the completion of their Fellowship, these AMSTI-USA Fellows returned to become teacher leaders at …

Developing Positive Self Concept And Self-Esteem As Panacea For Industrial Development And Harmony In A Work-Race, Hassan Modupe

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In today’s society, teachers must use a variety of strategies to reach all students when teaching mathematics. Classrooms today have many diverse learners, and teachers must be equipped to teach special education students, English Language Learners (ELL), and those served in inclusive classes. In order to reach the many needs of students today, teachers must be prepared with creative and research-based lessons and activities that will match the learning styles of all students. Teachers must be able to use teaching styles that adapt to students’ multiple intelligences. In order to teach to the diverse learning styles, teachers must get to …

Bridging The Mathematics Achievement Gap In Struggling Urban Schools, Marcia Heiman

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

As a result of school reform efforts, many school districts report that gains have been made in students’ math scores in the elementary years. But America’s high-poverty middle and high schools remain in crisis. Beyond the elementary years, students in the nation’s high-poverty schools are failing. For example, despite years of school reform, math achievement in Detroit has declined in the last five years. For example, 25% of Detroit’s high school students scored proficiently on statewide math tests in 2004 – as compared with only 16% in the most recent reports. ( www.schoolmatters.com). At the end of high school, Hispanic …

Connecting Math And Science To Home, School And Community Through Preservice Teacher Education, Cherie Mccollough, Olga Ramirez

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The importance of parental involvement in enhancing the quality of their children’s educational experiences and academic success is well documented in the literature (Chrispeels & Rivero, 2001; Cordry & Wilson, 2004; Delgado-Gaitan, 2001; Dierking & Falk, 1994; Jones &Valdez, 1997; Quezada, Diaz, Sanchez, 2003; Valdes, 1996). Parent involvement results in higher reading scores, greater language growth and development, and increased motivation to achieve (Harvard Family Research Project, 2007). Parental involvement includes a wide range of activities from promoting the importance of education to participating in the decision-making and operations of schools. For maximum results, there should be some alignment between …

A National Study Of Baccalaureate Degree Completions In The Sciences: An Overview Of Institutional Success By Public, Private, And Proprietary, Tara Tietjen-Smith, Cheri Davis, Audrey Williams, Gloria Anderson

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The purpose of this study was to examine baccalaureate degree completions in the sciences within public, private, and proprietary higher education institutions by ethnicity to determine which educational sectors (and science categories) were producing more graduates, specifically minority graduates.

Women Entrepreneurship In Science And Technology: Impetus For Female Participation In National Development In Nigeria, O.O. Kalesanwo, J.B. Bilesanmi-Awoderu

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

The role of women in national development cannot be over-emphasized. Also, the place of science and technology is central to national advancement. No doubt, a country’s level of Scientific and Technological advancement dictates the life style and future of her citizenry. This assertion made Wambusu (2005) to opine that science-led development is one of the major strategies in the war against what seems to be the African region’s endless hunger, poverty and ill-health. In addition, increased focus on formal and informal education, new technology, empowerment of women, gender, and sustainable development will undoubtedly bring the developing world closer to the …

Perceptual Chasm Between Industry And Academic Leaders On The Quality Of Higher Education, S. Rajasingh, B. Rajasekaran

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

In the context of the Information Technology Revolution, Communication Explosion, the Knowledge Economy and Globalization, India’s production of Professionals is phenomenal. With over 300 Universities and 15,600 Colleges spewing out 2.5 million graduates each year, in terms of the volume of production India trails behind only the US and recently China. Each year India produces 350,000 Engineers, twice the number produced by the US. A recent evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes all over the world, conducted by a Shanghai university, has not a single Indian University in the world’s top 300 – China has six.

Employment Patterns And Job Satisfaction Of Foreign-Born Science And Engineering Doctorate Recipients In The United States, Ketevan Mamiseishvili, Jill Hermsen

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Science and engineering fields are important to a nation’s economy, especially in the areas of innovation and technology development (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2007). The demand for scientists and engineers is increasing globally, making it more difficult for organizations to attract and retain qualified professionals in these fields as schools and industries compete on a global level for top talent (Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, 2005). It is not surprising, then, that academia and industry are increasing their focus on the science and engineering workforce. Indeed, a recent National Academies report stated that “identifying the …

Leading In The Mathematics Classroom, Jon Warwick

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal

Within the United Kingdom (UK) higher education sector there has been a considerable amount of debate in recent years about the level of quantitative and literacy skills exhibited by students on entry to university courses. Indeed the UK government commissioned two major reports on the development of skills at school level in the post-14 age range focussing specifically on the development of quantitative skills (Roberts 2002; Smith 2004) since there has been a sustained year-on-year fall in the numbers of students opting to study mathematics, science, and engineering subjects at degree level. Coupled with this reluctance of students to specialise …