Last month, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced 19 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Among them are Glen Park Academy for Excellence in Learning and Beveridge Elementary of the Gary Community School Corporation.
“Proud only begins to describe how we feel over earning two additional STEM Certifications,” said GCSC Manager Dr. Paige McNulty. “The faculty, staff and students worked hard to reach this milestone, and it is another great example of what effective teamwork looks like.” We are committed to delivering a robust, STEM-focused curriculum in the classroom while offering unique STEM opportunities for students through field trips, job shadowing, guest speakers, competitions and more.”
Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, indicated that STEM experiences play a critical role in the educational development of students.
“The schools we spotlight today have demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality, engaging STEM experiences that not only support students in developing problem-solving skills, but also prepare them for careers in emerging industries,” said Jenner. “As careers in STEM fields continue to drive our state’s economy, our role is to ensure every Hoosier student has access to high-quality STEM curriculum needed to meet both current and future demands.”
Created in 2015, the STEM Certification program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certification exemplifies a highly innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities.
For secondary schools in particular, earning STEM certification requires heightened intention and coordination in terms of vision, scheduling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. More than 100 schools statewide hold STEM Certification.