Being a minority institution located in West End Atlanta we are striving to create a pipeline of legacy builders that will pursue STEM careers.  In our increasingly technology-driven world we recognize that our students can stay competitive on the global stage if we prepare them for today and tomorrow’s careers. Our goal is exposure and integration of a variety of STEM disciplines that require the interpretation of technical texts, a vast knowledge of content specific vocabulary, critical thinking, and the ability to clearly communicate complex concepts to others verbally and in writing. All of these skills are developed through literacy-based instruction. At Washington High School our STEM program was specifically created so that our students achieve a certain level of STEM literacy to be a well-functioning citizen in our technology-oriented world. It is no little-known fact that almost every career that a student could dream of has some STEM implications or skills.

 

Not to mention in order to simple for an informed citizen understanding various social or even political topics involve STEM literacy. For example, citizens need to understand topics such as the science of vehicle emissions to be an informed voter. Or even our Spring Project based learning topic involved social awareness with our environmental justice theme. At Washington High School we realize that STEM literacy is ultimately less about distinct content and more about cultivating cognitive skills. Because we recognize that STEM literacy is an outcome – what is developed inside the student, the attitudes, skills, and the knowledge they gain through STEM education we have built in opportunities for students to explore a variety of STEM topics interdisciplinary not solely just in their science and math courses which are obvious STEM disciplines.

 

Opportunities for Growth

 

We recognize that many of our scholars do struggle with their foundational skills in both math and ELA. Currently, we use STAR data which is a comprehensive assessment that provides all the insights needed to guide math and reading literacy growth for all students. We want to continue to use this data to drive instruction effectively so as a result we have created new instructional support positions- Math and Reading Intervention Specialist. Their role will be to support our learners who need support in developing their STEM literacy skills across various disciplines. In support of our school improvement and STEM implementation plan these specialist will  execute unique strategies, as well as collaborate with teachers to use data to design and implement instructional strategies for individual and small group interventions.  Another challenge that BTW is focused on is helping students achieve despite living in a low-income or low resource areas. Some of the areas in which our students reside do not have reliable access to internet connections. Luckily, we are able to combat that because we were the recipient of the Verizon Innovative Learning Grant that specially supports projects that promote STEM, including, summer or after school programs, teacher training, and research on improving learning in STEM areas through use of technology (laptops and hotspots). We want to reduce the impact our students’ socioeconomic factors could have on their student learning.