Science Foundation Arizona Arizona STEM Network

October, 2011

• 2006 – Established by the Governor and State Legislature as a 501c3 non-profit public/private partnership to diversify and strengthen Arizona’s economy and be a catalyst for high-wage, knowledge-based jobs

• 2008 – SFAz launched STEM Initiative with a commitment from Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation and to focus on STEM education

• Since 2007, $16M has been invested in STEM programs impacting 260,000 students and 5,500 teachers

Brief History

Arizona Cities and Schools Impacted

Arizona STEM Network Creation

• 2010 – Refined SFAz STEM mission with support from Gov. Brewer (Economic Recovery), Helios and others to create the Arizona STEM Network.

• Purpose: to UNIFY, LEVERAGE AND ALIGN resources and efforts toward better student outcomes consistent with Arizona Education Reform Plan.

• “STEM” means to employ a method of teaching and learning that goes beyond mere transfer of knowledge – it aims for a deep understanding of subject matter and its implications in answering questions and solving problems of local and global importance.

• In the context of broader educational reform, STEM is a vehicle for improving education outcomes not only in math and science but also in language, social studies and arts.

• It is an Intra-disciplinary approach to learning that provides project-based and relevant experiences for students.

• Challenges students to not just “ know and learn”, but to “do.”

STEM Defined

Collaborative effort of over 800 individuals including:

•SFAz Board and STEM Advisory Council

•Expert Work Groups in STEM, Funders

•National forum of state leaders in STEM

•Exemplary leaders, teachers, STEM schools

•Town hall meetings in all 15 counties, coordinated with County Superintendents

STEM Network Plan –Outreach

• Coordination of efforts is critical

• Shortage of STEM teachers and access to quality STEM professional development and education opportunities

• Significant desire to pursue STEM in schools

• Clear need for ongoing support and relationships

• Build stronger partnership with local businesses

• Better relationships between K-12 schools and higher education

• Produce quality and qualified information, tools and resources

• Measure performance, adapt accordingly, continuously improve

STEM Network Plan -Observations

• Systemic approach

• More effective way to capture and disseminate knowledge and best practices

• Stop focus on “programs”

• Assist schools and districts in STEM integration that meets their unique needs

• More strategic investment model and leveraging of resources

STEM Network Plan -Conclusions

FUNDERSFUNDERS

Schools andDistricts

Schools andDistricts

Knowledge Management Knowledge Management

FundersFunders

Old Funding Model

$$$$$$

$$$$$$

Teachers,Technology,

Informal Programs

Teachers,Technology,

Informal Programs

Arizona STEM Network Strategic Plan Implementation

NEW Funding Model

Results

College and Career ReadinessInternational-benchmarked, state-adopted standards

Knowledge Management Continuous Improvement

Show Results Tools and Information Quality Data Resource Bank Identify, collect and support the creation of curricula and professional development

Knowledge Management Continuous Improvement

Show Results Tools and Information Quality Data Resource Bank Identify, collect and support the creation of curricula and professional development

SCHOOLSHelp schools integrate quality STEM education in schools

Focus funds on rural schools

Schools receive seed funds

Schools access and implement resources from

STEM School Guide to achieve desired STEM

level

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

STEM Advocates

Meaningful Engagement

Actively provide support

Understand STEM and Common Core

TEACHERSDevelop talent to engage

students

Pre-service andIn-service PD

Authentic experiences

SFAz/TFA focus on rural teachers

Network SYSTEMS Model:Anticipate work beginningJanuary 1

Integrate STEM in Schools

• Collaborative effort with ESA’s and STEM school leaders

• Specific but flexible strategies for integrating STEM into schools

• Philosophical and cultural shift to intra-disciplinary, inquiry-based and hands-on teaching and learning that is rigorous and relevant

• Resource bank connecting to effective programs

• Immersion Matrix that details steps and strategies for:

Foundations How To Roadmap Leading Learning Evaluating Budget Sustainability Resource Bank Teaching

STEM Network Plan – STEM School Immersion Matrix

STEM Network Plan – STEM School Immersion Matrix