When most people first hear the word STEM, they immediately think of the acronym: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. And while Oak Ridge Schools provides numerous opportunities for students to experience STEM-specific content in Elementary, Middle, and High School, true STEM Education is a set of behaviors and skills that students need to be successful in the 21st century workforce. There are many skills and behaviors associated with STEM, however, the four most commonly discussed in our district are the 4C\u2019s: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity (creative problem-solving).<\/p>\n
Every teacher in Oak Ridge Schools is a STEM teacher and every class a student takes from preschool through 12th grade will provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice STEM. STEM Education would not be complete without real-world connections to curriculum and problem and project-based learning opportunities. We want our students to be able to answer questions that don\u2019t have an obvious answer, create solutions to relevant problems, successfully work with peers and community members to find answers, and be able to effectively communicate their findings. STEM is one of the powerful tools to help every student be prepared for college, career, and life success.<\/p>\n
The purpose of the STEM Committee is two-fold: parents and community members learn about what STEM opportunities are occurring in our schools and how they can support that work, as well as how Oak Ridge Schools can
\nsupport our community and businesses through STEM Education. Because STEM Education and CCTE are closely linked, this committee will take the place of the ORS Advisory Board so that our members\u2019 time will not be overly taxed. Dr. Holly Cross will continue to play a crucial role in this committee.<\/p>\n
Possible Discussion points:<\/span> STEM Committee Logistics:<\/span> Dates of Committee Meetings for 2021-2022:<\/span>
\n\u2022 School STEM Needs (ex: content experts, volunteers, etc.)
\n\u2022 District STEM Initiatives
\n\u2022 STEM Certification\/Recertification
\n\u2022 Available internships and grants
\n\u2022 STEM skills and behaviors needed for jobs in community in addition to the 4Cs<\/p>\n
\nThe STEM Committee will meet four times a year from 4-5pm. Because of local concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, these meetings will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams until the time comes when it is safe to hold large gatherings.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Friday, July 23 (first ORS Advisory Board meeting of the year)
\n\u2022 Monday, November 15
\n\u2022 Tuesday, January 18
\n\u2022 Monday, April 11<\/p>\n