Why 21st Century Skills Why 21st Century Skills & STEM?& STEM?

Research indicates students across all grade-levels lack competencies in math and science.

New demands have been placed on educators to prepare students to compete in an ever-changing world.

A balance must be created between teaching to a standards-based curriculum and developing the 21st century skills.

21st Century Skills*21st Century Skills*

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Creativity & Innovation

• Collaboration, teamwork, leadership

• Cross-cultural understanding

• Communications, information, and media literacy

• Computing & ICT literacy

• Career & learning self-reliance

• * 21st Century Skills- Learning for Life in Out Times

Planning TeamPlanning Team

• During the 2009-2010 school year a group of principals, teachers, and central office staff members worked to develop a four-year plan to infuse 21st century skills into our teaching and learning. The plan included strategies that target rigor and engagement with STEM education.

Rapides ParishRapides Parish STEM/CTE Vision STEM/CTE Vision

Rapides ParishRapides Parish STEM/CTE Vision STEM/CTE Vision

• Rapides Parish Schools will provide a rigorous, relevant, student-centered learning environment that will build life-long learners capable of meeting the challenges of our ever-changing world.

Goal #1- Students will enhance their academic performance and develop 21st

century skills through inquiry-based learning.

• Strategies for 2010-11

• Professional development for K-8 teachers in inquiry-based learning in Science:

Development of interactive science labs with FOSS Science Curriculum Modules, Discovery Science, and “Loose in the Lab” training.

Math and science institutes for teachers sponsored by The Orchard Foundation

Goal #1- Students will enhance their academic performance and develop 21st

century skills through inquiry-based learning.

• Strategies for 2010-11

• Professional development for middle and high school science and math teachers:

Expand Project Lead the Way curriculum

Train teachers for Pre-AP and AP courses

Goal #2- Students will have opportunities to engage in learning opportunities that

extend beyond the classroom.

• Strategies for 2010-11

• Professional development for teachers:

Virtual teaching through Aiken Virtual Program

Web 2.0 applications in the classroom

Showcase of best practices in instructional technology

Goal #3- Students will have access to real-world career awareness and opportunities.

• Strategies for 2010-11

Expand partnership to provide real-world career awareness to students

• Professional development for teachers:

Developing and implementing a career capstone project (Senior Project)

Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development

Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development

• Rapides Leadership Academy will concentrate on the Urban Leadership and Learning Center’s Six Step School Improvement Model. Program will direct principals on strategies to align school-based SIP’s with the District Strategic Plan and the objectives of the STEM/CTE initiative on 21st century learning skills.

Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development

Sessions will be conducted by Dr. Harvey Perkins and Dr. John Hodge.

Principals will attend four sessions at The Greens on the following dates:

Elementary Principals- September 22, October 12, January 26, May or June- TBA

K-12, Middle, and High Principals- September 23, October 13, January 27, May or June- TBA

Leadership DevelopmentLeadership Development

Each school will have $2,500 in stipends to pay the school leadership team or school improvement team for planning and implementation of action plans.

Teams consisting of ULLC and Rapides Parish administrators will make school visits to facilitate implementation of plans, share best practices, and support achievement of stated goals and objectives.