STEM/COMMON CORE FOR

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

Karel Lea BiggsSherry Hersh

Cathy Kolb

STEM AT CMCSS Gradual implementation through all

grade levels over a period of four years. High level of transient students due to

military. Both buildings run about 63% free and

reduced lunch. Magnet school pulls kids from the entire district.

New Providence has kids that are low urban, military and rural.

STEM VOCABULARY Challenge Essential Question EDP Accountable Talk Tasks and Scaffolding

STEM NOTEBOOKS Elementary Notebooks – one for both

subjects.

Middle School Notebooks – one notebook for each subject. Graded every Friday to hold them accountable.

Accommodations: Provide copy of material to go into the notebook. Can highlight, copy, glue, etc.

DEVELOPING A CHALLENGE Elementary Challenge

DEVELOPING A CHALLENGE Middle School Challenge

Know your kids! What will work in one building may not work in another. It must be relevant to your population.

Long process. Do not rush. This means working together over the summer, holidays, weekends. Must work in a collaborative environment.

DEVELOPING A CHALLENGE Complete the challenge yourself before

you assign it to the kids.

Use a STEM dropbox so you can collaborate electronically. (www.getdropbox.com)

INTEGRATING MATH & SCIENCE DAILY Elementary –

Middle – Daily Science Bellringers, Exit Cards, Oral Questioning, Accountable Talk Questions

GRADING A CHALLENGE It is a process, not a product.

Using Rubrics

Knowing your kids and grading based on this knowledge.

TECHNOLOGY Elementary – 4th and 5th have laptops

Middle School – Dealing with technology shortages

Wikis, Dropbox, Kidblog, Remind101

Websites for STEM information

GROUPING YOUR KIDS Elementary – Grouping is more mixed.

Difference between departmentalized and not.

Middle – Know the social culture of the middle school kid. They are more comfortable with their own peer group.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & RELEVANCY Guest Speakers

Community Resources

Helping the Community.

FUNDING Donors Choose

Grant Opportunities

Just ask people!

GOOD RESOURCES NSTA – become a member and attend

conferences.

Connect with other teachers in other buildings, if possible.