WHY SECME?
Dr. Ola Nnadi, PE, D.WRE, Director
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
High School Dropout Rate
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Between 9th and 12th
grade, over one million
students will leave school
without receiving a high
school diploma.
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In some urban and poor
rural school districts the
dropout rates may exceed
50%.
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Hispanic public school
students fare most poorly,
with only 53% graduating
from high school.
“Ready or not, here I come.”
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Most students that graduate from
high school arrive on college
campuses ill-equipped for the
academic rigor of the university
curriculum.
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While nearly 80% of all students
who graduate from high school go
on to college, more than half are
required to take remedial courses.
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These students are less likely to
stay in college and earn a degree.
What is SECME?
www.secme.org
SECME is A systematic teaching method that engages students in
learning environment through extended inquiry process structured around
complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.
The Benefits of SECME
L
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Produces gains in academic achievement

Higher-level cognitive development through students'
engagement with complex, novel problems.
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Enhances planning and communicating skills
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Supports authentic inquiry and autonomous learning
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Practical hands-on learning.

Provides realistic perspective of possible future careers.
What is being said about SECME?
Overcomes the
dichotomy between
knowledge and thinking,
helping students to both
"know" and "do."
Encourages the
development of habits
of mind associated
with lifelong learning,
civic responsibility,
and personal or career
success.
Supports students
in learning and
practicing skills in
problem solving,
communication,
and selfmanagement.
Meets the needs of
learners with varying
skill levels and learning
styles.
Engages and motivates bored
or indifferent students.
PROJECTS & EVENTS
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Bridge
Water Bottle Rockets
Mousetrap Car
Glider
Poster
Banner
Essay
Egg Drop
Mathematics Competition
Robotics
SECME 2013 RULES
Total Number of Students per School - 30
Cost of participation - $15 per student
Each participating student MOST School SECME T-Shirt
Activities
Bridge
Water Bottle Rocket
Mousetrap Car
Glider
Poster
Banner
Essay
Egg Drop
Math Competition
Teams/School
Students/Team
Schools
2
3
Elem – Middle - High
3
3
Elem – Middle - High
3
3
Elem – Middle - High
3
3
Elem – Middle - High
1
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Elem – Middle - High
1
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Elem – Middle - High
5
1
Elem – Middle - High
5
2
Elem – Middle - High
3
4
Elem – Middle - High
Enrichment & Instructional
Programs

Integration of Curriculum Materials
 Use of Computers as Instructional Tool
email, internet research, SECME websites, using PPT,
excel, charts, drawings

Hands on Activities other than SECME Projects
 Study Skills and Time Management
 Oral Presentations
 FCAT, PSAT, ACT, SAT, etc. preparation
Could this student have benefited
from SECME?
Role of Sponsors
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Role Models & Mentors
 Parent Involvement
 Career Counseling
 Career Exploration
 Technical Portfolios
 Field Trips
 Club Activities
 Speakers, Videos
 Internet Science Fair
(UCF ISTF)
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SECME Olympiads
 Science Fair
 Engineering & Math
Competitions
 Math Counts & JETS
 Other competitions
 Programs w/ feeder
School
 Induction & Award
Ceremonies (School)
Business Partners
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Business Partners
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Lockheed Martin Corporation
Walt Disney World
United Technologies
Pratt Whitney
NASA
Florida Dept. of Transport.
U.S. Geological Survey
Intel
Carrier
Harris Corp.
Legacy Foundation
Carley Corporation
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Local Business Partners
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Banks
Grocery Stores
Computer Stores
Airport
Restaurants
Lawn and Garden
Construction
Local Waterworks
Recycling Companies
Small Businesses
Non Profit Organizations
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REMEMBER ME?
THIS IS WHY !