STEM Information Meeting
Spartanburg School District Six
Agenda
• What is STEM?
• Why STEM?
• How will students
be accepted into
the program?
STEM is…
a rare type of program.
• South Carolina has only one National
Consortium for Specialized Secondary
Schools of Mathematics, Science, and
Technology certified STEM program.
• This four-year program has been designed
from the ground up for a particular type of
student.
• The STEM program will allow accepted
students to function as part of a cohort,
working with one another to form a
STEM is…
a joint effort by our middle schools,
Dorman Freshman Campus, Dorman High
School, RD Anderson, and a variety of
community partners.
Mary Black Health System
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
Converse College
Spartanburg Community College
USC-Upstate
Wofford College
Duer/Carolina Coil
S&ME
Wa d e C r o w E n g i n e e r i n g
STEM is…
a rigorous program of study that focuses on
science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics.
AP Computer Science
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
STEM Research I
STEM Research II
AP Psychology
Foundations of STEM
Physical Science Honors
Anatomy/Physiology Honors
AP Environmental Science
Engineering Drafting STEM
STEM Research Project
STEM Community Internship
STEM is…
an opportunity for students to participate in
accelerated, and integrated science/
mathematics classes.
AP Computer Science
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
STEM Research I
STEM Research II
AP Psychology
Foundations of STEM
Physical Science Honors
Anatomy/Physiology Honors
AP Environmental Science
Engineering Drafting STEM
STEM Community Internship
Summer Physical Education
STEM is…
an opportunity for students to have unique
science/ mathematics classes and
experiences.
AP Computer Science
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
AP Physics
AP Statistics
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
STEM Research I
STEM Research II
AP Psychology
Foundations of STEM
Physical Science Honors
Anatomy/Physiology Honors
AP Environmental Science
Engineering Drafting STEM
STEM Community Internship
Science & Math Are Essential to the New
Economy
“Of the 30 fastest-growing occupations
projected through 2016, the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook
Handbook concludes that 16 of them will
require substantial Mathematics or
Science preparation.”
Source: STEM Education Coalition
Science & Math Education is Essential
for a Skilled Workforce
“A strong consensus is emerging among
scientific, business, and education
leaders that America’s ability to innovate
and compete in the global marketplace is
directly tied to the ability of our public
schools to adequately prepare all of our
children in STEM.”
Source: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math Agenda, National Governor’s Association
STEM Application Process
Candidates for the STEM program… (non-STEM, answers,
“guinea pigs”/ highly responsive)
• are currently 8th graders.
• are probably currently enrolled in Honor’s Algebra I or
Honor’s Geometry.
• are interested in a very intense program of science/
mathematics.
• have good grades in science/ mathematics.
• have strong science/ mathematics test scores (PACT,
MAP, PASS)
• have science/ mathematics teachers who are willing to
recommend them for the program.
• are willing to compose an essay in a controlled setting.
STEM Timeline
January 14 – 21: Middle School Information Meetings
January 28:
Parent Information Meeting, 5:30 at DFC
February 15-16: Application essay sessions
February 19:
Applications completed and turned in
March 15:
STEM acceptance notifications
August, 2010:
Inaugural STEM class enters DFC