Expanded Learning Partners STEM Talking Points

Recently, Jeff Davis (Interim Director) of the California After School Network, shared with me some key talking points around expanded learning programs and the importance that they play in on only STEM, but also the implementation / advancement of educational standards (NGSS and CCSS).

With that being stated, here are the talking points that you can share with the different stakeholders that you may come across that can also spread the word about the importance of cohesion between the regular day and expanded learning programs.

Key Points:

      

      a) The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the NextGeneration 

          Science Standards (NGSS) have been adopted by California. CCSS 

          and NGSS were designed to be complimentary to one another.  

          Each set of standards references intersections to the other.
 

       b) The practice-related elements of the CCSS (Standards for Mathematical 

            Practice, and Capacities of a Literate Individual) and NGSS 

            (Science and Engineering Practices) have strong overlap with 

            Quality Standards for Expanded Learning such as Active and Engaged 

            Learning, and Skill Building.
   

        c) Expanded learning programs are an essential resource to advance priorities 

            outlined in the Local ControlFunding Formula (such as implementation of 

            the CCSS, Student Engagement, and Student Achievement), for over 800,000 

            underserved students enrolled in statewide expanded learning programs.
    

         d) Recent research (Vandell, YEAR) has shown that income differences for K-5 

             students in math achievement can be addressed with consistent participation in 

             quality expanded learning programs. 

Why K-12 and Expanded Learning Partners Should Collaborate:

·       Increase quality STEM learning opportunities:

   o Expanded learning programs are an essential resource to advance new standards 

          and budget priorities, offering more time for learning in a flexible environment.

 o  Recent research (SRI, YEAR) outlines that partnerships with expanded learning 

          programs are associated with increased quality of science learning opportunities.

·       Advancing mutually beneficial goals:

     o One learning activity can address Quality Standards for Expanded Learning 

           Programs, as well as the practice-based elements of the CCSS and NGSS. 

     o When planned in coordination, schools and expanded learning programs can 

            leverage additional time for mutual benefit, and the benefit of students.  

·       Increasing student success: 

       o   STEM learning opportunities are an effective vehicle for youth to practice

                  and master the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st Century workforce, 

                  such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving.

   

       o   Science and engineering practices, standards for mathematical practices, 

                  capacities of a literate individual can help students become the innovators of the 

                  future in order to address the challenges facing humanity.   

Strategies for K-12 / expanded learning program collaboration

·       Increase your understanding of the Science and Engineering Practices of NGSS, 

     as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Capacities of a Literate 

     Individual outlined in the CCSS.

·       Articulate how activities implemented in your expanded learning programs are 

     consistent with Quality Standardsfor Expanded Learning Programs while also 

     supportive of the implementation of new standards.

·       Make a plan to increase cohesion between core instructional day and expanded 

    learning program STEM learning opportunities (utilize assessment and planning 

    tools from the Power of Discovery: STEM²).

·       Increase the quality and quantity of STEM learning activities in your program by 

     referencing ExpandedLearning STEM Quality Elements, curriculum and 

     activities, funding, professional development opportunities, and many other 

     resources at powerofdiscovery.org  

Here is a look at one expanded learning program site and the STEM activities that 

they have lined up for their students in the upcoming month:

Name of Out-of-School-Time Provider: Sacramento Chinese Community 

      Service Center (SCCSC)

Name of District: Sacramento City Unified School District

      School Site: Kit Carson Middle School

Grade Level of Activities: 7th thru 9th Grade

      STEM Overview: STEM education is a major component of the Kit Carson 

      Middle School ASES Program. Students participate in weekly STEM 

      activities where they explore the four disciplines and learn firsthand how 

      the Scientific Method can be applied to everyday life. In addition to these 

      activities, students have the opportunity to join two STEM-based clubs where

      they study and prep for competitive competitions. 

     The Kit Carson STEM-based Clubs are as follows:

     Lego League: In this club students learn how to design, build, and program

     a robot from over 1,100 parts and additional motors, sensors, and gears. In

     competition, the Lego based robot completes various taxksduring a themed

     mission. 

Science Olympiad: The Kit Carson ASES Program brings the Science Olympiad

(SO), the nation's most exciting K-12 Science competition to the students. Whether

it is science labs, rocket design, bridge building, using forensics to solve crimes, or

building robots, (SO) has it all. 

       

For more information about the above activities please contact Wendy Tsan at 

wendy@sccsc.org

STEM and Other Pertinent Articles:

1) Computer Science Education in California: From Kindergarten to the Workforce: 
     Findings and Policy Recommendations (California STEM Learning Network)

2) Can Project Based Learning Close Gaps in STEM Education? (KQED)

3) SB 1200: State Legislature Approves High School Advanced Computer Science Bill
    (California Newswire)

4) SB 1221: After School Programs: Program Improvement / Operating Year
     Round Programs (Tom Torlakson)

5) Who Needs Algebra? New Approach To College Math Helps More Pass (NPR)

6) The Mis-Education of African-American Girls (NPR)

7) Three R's for the Digital Age: Rockets, Robots, and Remote Control (NPR)

8) The Maker Movement: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants to Own the Future (NPR)

9) A Crosswalk between the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning Programs
    and Quality Program Assessment Tools (Public Profit)

10) Access the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California and Supporting
      Resources (California After School Network)

11) Resources to Support Continuous Quality Improvement
      (California After School Network)

12) SRI Releases After School Science Networks Study (SRI Education)


STEM (and other Integrated Core Content) 
Activities/Videos/Websites/Podcast:

1) After School Games and Activities for Integrating STEM (CASRC: Curriculum)
    (Grades: K-6)

2) The Sneeze: How Germs Spread (CASRC: DVD) (Grades K-12)

3) Computer Art for Young People (CASRC: DVD) (Grades 3-8)

4) Brain Based Strategies to Reach Every Learner (CASRC: Publication) 
    (For Expanded Learning Practitioners who work with grades 3-8)

5) The Drug Facts Action Pack (CASRC: DVD) (Grades 4-6)

6) Bubble Bonanza (Engineering Adventures) (Grades 3-5)

7) Youth Service America Classroom Resources (YSA)

8) Six Things You Need to Know About STEM (CNN Money: Video)

9) NGSS Workgroup Meeting #1 (Recording of first meeting 10/6/14)



STEM Grants:

1) Whale Tail Grants: (Apply by November 1, 2014)
     is now accepting applications.  These grants support projects encouraging people 
     to value and take action to improve the health of California’s marine and coastal 
     environments. Educational projects improving the quality of beaches or coastal or 
     marine habitats are also eligible. This year there is a special subcategory for projects 
     addressing climate change and /or ocean acidification.  Emphasis is on reaching 
     underserved students or members of the public. 

     Applications mailed to the California Coastal Commission must be postmarked by

     November 1^st. Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies may apply.  Applicants 

     may request up to $50,000, and 25-50% of the funding will be allocated in small grants 

     below $10,000. A total of $345,100 will be distributed.  For full guidelines and an 

     application, see the link at www.coastforyou.org or call (800) Coast-4U.

2) Project WET: Grant Database (Over 20 different grants available)

3) Captain Planet Foundation
     Grants are made for activities that promote and support high-quality educational 
     programs, enable children and youth to understand and appreciate our world through
     learning experiences and engage them in active, hands-on projects to improve the 
     environment in their schools and communities. CPF grants are limited to $2,500 and 
     preferential consideration is given to applicants who have secured at least 50% 
     matching or in-kind funding for their program.
     (Deadline: Will fund as many projects that annual resources will allow. )

     (January 31, 2015 for fall and winter projects)

STEM Professional Development / Misc. / Events / Contest:

1) Techbridge Announces Launch of Role Models Matter

    Online Training

2) Click2Science Launches a New Skill to Make STEM Click

3) GEMS Dry Ice Investigations and Chemical Investigations
    (SMUD Hosted) (October 16, 2014) (Free) (Grades 5-12)

4) Media Smart Youth: Teen Leaders Program (Deadline: October 24, 2014)
     (Young adults ages 15-20 may apply) (Teen leaders will receive training
     assistance, plus $1,000 for program expenses)

5) STEM Resources from Sally Ride Science (Deadline: October 31st)
    EarthKAM Missions
    Sally Ride-Deloitte Science Award

6) Get to Know Contest:
      The Contest invites you to get outside and create original works of art, writing, 
      photography, videography and music inspired by nature. Get Outdoors and “Get 
      to Know Your Wild Neighbors”. The goal is to be as creative as possible. For 
      inspiration, check out some of the amazing programs offered by our partners. Then, 
      get outdoors and get to know! Submit your work for a chance to win cool prizes. The 
      contest runs from May 1^st to November 1^st - Get started today! 
      (Deadline: November 1, 2014)

6) 2014 Digital Media and Learning Contest
      (Applications accepted September 3 through November 1, 2014) 
      (Award amount will range from $10,000 up to $150,000)


Thanks again for all that you do in the field. Please keep us posted about STEM events/activities in your area. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Monica Gonzalez-Williams (SCOE: Region 3: After School Regional Lead):
mgonzalez@scoe.net

Phil Romig: (SCOE: Science Curriculum Specialist): promig@scoe.net

Mark Drewes: (SCOE: Project Specialist II: After School): mdrewes@scoe.net