Many thanks to Vernier Software & Technology for hosting our September “Back to School” All Partner Gathering! We had 52 participants from 32 organizations representing K-12 schools and districts, out of school program providers, community colleges and universities, and business and industry attend this fun gathering where we explored two important topics:
1) Measuring What Matters
Portland Metro STEM is participating in 40-hours of graduate-level professional learning with eight other STEM Hubs across Oregon. Working with Project Impact, our regional team conducted interviews of 30 educators and community partners on the impacts our Professional Development had on their self-efficacy and ability to impact students for the good. During this meeting, we shared highlights from three out of our seven findings:
Seeing is Believing: Individuals -- whether they are students, educators or business people -- need to see real-life examples of whatever they are seeking to understand or work towards. Educators need to see STE(A)M education in action, including “master teachers” and exemplary programs.
STE(A)M is Equity: Educators and partners recognize and value the role of STEM learning as a powerful equity strategy and not simply as content areas or an instructional approach. Having a shared belief allows partners to leverage STEM as a critical and effective strategy for addressing educational inequities and transforming the lives of marginalized students.
Real Learning Leads to Powerful Change: The strategic integration of knowledge, tools, and resources in educator professional development made it possible for educators and administrators to take steps more quickly and effectively towards the change they want to see in their practice and community.
The full report is available here.
2) Kids Can’t be What They Can’t See
Portland Metro STEM brings together partners to better support our educators in providing opportunities for kids to see what they can be. Part of these efforts includes providing opportunities for educators to participate in Industry Externships. These externships provide educators with the opportunity to connect classroom content to real-world contexts so that students can see the high wage/high demand jobs in our region and see that they have a place in those fields. Research shows that students learn about careers from five primary sources.
Parents
Neighbor or parents of friends
Distant relative
Counselors
Teachers
Externships at STEM industries help teachers gain first-hand knowledge of how companies use STEM and hire for the future workforce. For examples of past externships, please see this blog post.
