Missoula County Public Schools
Health Science Academy
@ Big Sky High School
“Knowledge by Hand & Mind”
What is STEM?
•Science
•Technology
•Engineering
•Mathematics
The Biomedical Curriculum, Project Lead the Way,
is a STEM curriculum. More on that later…
What is an Academy?
• Smaller Learning Community
• Rigorous college prep curriculum
• Relevant career and technical
education
• Strong community partnership
Grad Requirements
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Language Arts – 4.0
Mathematics – 2.0
Social Studies – 2.5
Science – 2.0
HPE – 2.0
Fine art – 1.0
Practical art – 1.0
Electives – 9.5
Total – 24 Credits Required
Opportunities at BSHS - 32
Why a Health Science Academy?
• Roughly 50% or MCPS students go on to 2 & 4
year post-secondary institutions (National
Student Clearinghouse Data). NOT GOOD
ENOUGH!
• BLS – Professional careers (requiring postsecondary education) will grow the fastest from
2008-18. The fastest growing sub-category under
professional careers(21%), is driven by health
care demand.
Features of H.S.A.
• National Standards of Practice (NCAC)
• 100 students (50 biomed/50 vet)
• Fewer students
• Fewer teachers
• Increased collaboration between
stakeholders
• Community fluidity
• Redefine “student”
• Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way
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Non-profit leader in STEM curriculum
Practical Art credit
Hands-on, activities, project and problem-based (APPB)
Developed by educators and biomedical professionals
In 2011-12 school year – more than 4,000 schools and 400,000
students in all 50 states
• More than 10,500 teachers trained
• Utilized in Bozeman for 3 years – 4 minute video
Advantages of H.S.A.
• Relevant, rigorous, and themed curriculum
• Deeper understanding of transferrable skills &
knowledge
• Increased expectations for stakeholders
• Employability and soft skills
• Students involved in off-campus learning
• Increased retention in school
• “Students are known and shared”
Benefits of H.S.A.
• Better transition to high school
• Exposure to a variety of careers in
biomedical and veterinary
• Industry certifications (1st aid, CPR, EMT)
• Begin college in high school
• No more, “Why do we have to learn this?”
• Not school as usual!
Research says…
• Increased graduation rates
• Increased attendance
• Increased credits earned
• Increased grade point averages
• Increased college attendance
• Increased earnings
• Increased student engagement!
Nuts and Bolts
• 8 courses available at BSHS
• 6 courses will be in the academy
• Science, Math, English, Social Studies,
Health/PE
• Project Lead The Way (biomedical)
• 2 electives freshman year outside of the
academy
• 4 year community connection
• Community speakers/trainers, etc.
Thank you…
•Questions?
•Call Trevor Laboski at
728-2401 ext. 8025