Central High School
STEM EDUCATION -A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Portrait of a CHS STEM Program Graduate
-Students fully comprehend how their actions and decisions impact others and the
world.
-Students understand and are comfortable with uncertainty in the context of academics
and in circumstances in life outside the classroom.
-Students successfully transfer skills and knowledge gained through internships,
apprenticeships, and similar experiences to future opportunities.
-Students have the confidence to strive for success, effectively manage challenges, and
persist in the face of unforeseen outcomes.
-Students are well-informed and contributing members of society.
-Students acquire and assimilate information to develop knowledge.
-Students possess and use the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to pursue
degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or humanities.
STEM Programs Emphasize…
-Understanding material within a conceptual framework.
-Learning and understanding subject matter disciplines in the context of inquiry,
technology, and history from personal and social perspectives.
-Implementing inquiry as instructional strategies, abilities, and understandings
to be learned.
-Deepening students’ knowledge and use of inquiry processes.
-Providing opportunities for reasoning, discussion, and debate among students.
-Assessing all facets of essential knowledge, processes, and skills.
-Conducting investigations over extended periods of time.
-Using evidence and strategies to develop or revise a theory or explanation.
STEM Habits of Mind
-Curious
-Persistent
-Problem Solvers
-Flexible
-Precise and Accurate
-Continuous Learners
-Socially Aware
-Creative and Innovative Thinkers
-Collaborative
-Responsible
st
21
Century Workforce Qualities and Skills
Fundamental Literacy
-Reading
-Writing
-Listening
-Speaking
-Mathematics
-Science
-Technology
-Civic
Social and Personal Qualities
-Leadership
-Professionalism and Work Ethic
-Teamwork and Collaboration
-Ethics and Social Responsibility
-Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
-Lifelong learning and Self Direction
Workplace Qualities
-Creativity and Innovation
-Oral/Written/Symbolic Communications
-Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
-Resource Management
CHS STEM PROGRAMS
oScience Focus (4 yr college)
oMathematical Focus (4 yr college)
oArts/Humanities Focus (4 yr college)
THE CHS STEM PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Students in the full CHS STEM PROGRAM will be required to take the full recommended college
preparatory course of study that included a STEM elective each year. This includes 6-8 AP courses and
a potential of 24 college credit hours.
Students will be asked to submit one STEM project to an electronic portfolio on Naviance completed
in a class each semester, for a total of 8 by graduation. This can be shared with potential colleges.
Students will be asked to work with a community partner to give service, complete an internship, or
complete an apprenticeship. These community partners will be introduced through a STEM Elective
class.
Students will complete a science, math, or humanities Capstone Project in 12th grade that
encompasses STEM problem solving skills and knowledge.
Students will take a minimum of 4 STEM Electives in addition to their college preparatory course of
study. These electives will introduce them to STEM learning, engineering, technological applications,
and career options.
Alignment of existing instructional strategies and philosophies of AVID/AP/and STEM courses.
CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL STEM
◦ The CHS STEM Program is positioned to offer a highly-personalized education
to a broad spectrum of students. Immersion in STEM learning brings an
unprecedented high school experience to our area. The STEM high school will
move beyond the classroom, and connect its students with important
university and business partnerships and resources.
◦ The CHS STEM Program utilizes already existing programs, curriculum, and
teaching strategies from AP, AVID, and STEM in order to guarantee rigor,
relevance, and relationships for all students involved.
◦ The CHS STEM Program is in complete alignment with the CHS Mission
Statement which is to “Prepare EVERY Student to EXCEL in the future he/she
creates.”
AVID, Pre-AP, AP, and STEM Aligned
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program:
This program targets students in the academic middle but who are students who
have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. AVID places
academically average students in advanced classes and provides them with an
elective class that prepares them to succeed in rigorous curricula, enter
mainstream activities in school, and increase their opportunities to enroll in fouryear colleges. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all
students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID impacts
educators by increasing best practices for engaging all students and increasing
college readiness across the school and district. The AVID Center also
encourages improved student access to rigorous academic curriculum.
AVID, Pre-AP, AP, and STEM Aligned
Pre-AP/AP Courses:
Students will tackle challenging topics head on and investigate issues
that matter to young adults today. Students will learn about exciting
subjects in depth…[and] qualities like curiosity, creativity, and
commitment-things students use every day in other parts of their
lives to achieve goals-are key ingredients for success in AP. AP
courses may be tough…but they also help students develop skills and
knowledge that can be used in the real world. Even better, they
introduce students to new possibilities-in college majors, in career
options, and in life. (College Board)
AVID, Pre-AP, AP, and STEM Aligned
Stem Definition:
Interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic
concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that
make connections between school, community, work and the global
enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the
ability to compete in the new economy…STEM from the workforce
perspective is significantly different and more about grooming
workers with 21st century skills who are ready to jump right in.
(National Science Teachers Association Report)
STEM PROGRAM VS. STEM ELECTIVES
STEM PROGRAM STUDENTS: These students complete the program by the entire
utilization of coursework at CHS. Students in the full STEM Program will be prepared for
competitive 4 year universities by completing the entire course sequence
recommended by CHS including 6-8 AP classes over 4 years, STEM electives taken each
year, internships or apprenticeships, service learning, content specific capstone
projects, and an electronic portfolio of STEM project experiences. STEM PROGRAM
students will have to apply to be part of the program.
STEM ELECTIVE STUDENTS: These students will be exposed to the principles of STEM
education and learning by participating in some of the recommended course sequence,
but by taking at least four of the STEM electives offered at CHS. STEM Elective students
will be prepared for some four year universities, two year trade schools, or the work
force. STEM elective courses are open to interested students, but some pre-requisite
coursework may apply.
HOW DO I GET INTO THE STEM PROGRAM?
Complete the STEM Application by March 6th. All components must be completed.
Completion of the STEM Application includes:
Steps 1 and 2: personal information and areas of interest completed
Step 3: Completed and professional submission of the Innovation Task. Neatness,
presentation, and typing are preferred. Include references page if necessary.
Step 4: Two letters of recommendation from teachers who testify to your ability to participate
in this program.
Step 5: School records that include transcripts, test scores, and the current year’s attendance
record. Transcripts need to reflect successful and consistent performance. Test scores need to
reflect a proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Attendance records need to reflect at
least a 90% attendance rate for the 8th grade year to date.
After I submit my application, what next?
A committee of teachers, counselors, and STEM coordinators read each application in its
entirety. Teachers list strengths and weaknesses of each potential candidate.
The committee will make a recommendation based on the evidence provided as to whether
this student has the skills necessary to succeed in the rigorous course sequencing required for
the STEM PROGRAM.
The committee may recommend that some applicants begin their courses of study by taking a
traditional 9th grade schedule and STEM Electives. If students demonstrate the ability to handle
more coursework, the student may re-apply to be part of the full STEM PROGRAM course of
study.
The committee may also choose to recommend that a candidate is not prepared for this level
of work at this time.
Applicants will be notified by mail.