School PartnershipsK-12 Schools as Partners
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Office of Professional Field Services
March 6, 2012
IMSA: Our MissionThe mission of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®, the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry, is to ignite and nurture creative, ethical scientific minds that advance the human condition, through a system distinguished by profound questions, collaborative relationships, personalized experiential learning, global networking, generative use of technology and pioneering outreach.
IMSA’s Two Legislative Charges
Residential High School ProgramA world class high school powerhouse for inspiring,
challenging and nurturing talented students who will use their exceptional abilities to improve
people’s lives.
Professional Field ServicesProvide research-based, practice proven programs
to transform mathematics and science education across Illinois and beyond.
IMSA: a bit more about us…. Founded in 1986 by Nobel Laureate, Dr. Leon Lederman
and then Governor Jim Thompson State Agency and part of the Illinois Board of Higher
Education Residential High School Program
Of the over 4000 IMSA graduates, 99% enroll in college with 2/3 earning degrees in science or math
Students take 2 Science and 2 Math courses each semester with over 80% of students participating in independent study, called Student Inquiry and Research.
Professional Field Services STEM Academic Enrichment for Students grades 3-10 Professional Development for Educators
IMSA Core CompetencyDesign and implement teaching and learning
experiences that are:
Competency-driven (rigorous) Inquiry-based (student-centered) Problem-centered (relevant) Integrative (within and among
disciplines)
What is STEM to IMSA?1. Content: What are the facts?
2. Skill Development 1. Scientific Inquiry Skills2. 21st Century Skills
3. Development of Learners to be confident “users of content” and “generators of their own knowledge”
IMSA’s Office of
Professional Field Services
Statewide Student Initiatives
Statewide Educator
Initiatives
IMSA FUSION
Problem-Based Learning Network (PBLN)
Field Office Collaborations
Our Partnership Goals• Develop collaborative and
sustainable relationships with schools and districts around Illinois that allow us to provide services to support and enhance STEM education
• Serve students who are under-resourced and under-represented in STEM
What makes our partnerships work? The Elements
Clear goals and deliverables: The MOU
Commitment of resources by the school and IMSA
Buy in from Administrators and Teachers
Regular communication (via phone and online tools)
IMSA staff visits and support
Programs that allow flexibility for school context and learners
Engaging parents in the program
“Perks”
IMSA School Partnership Programs
Problem Based Learning Network
Teaching Inquiry Pilot Program
FUSION
After-school STEM enrichment program for talented, motivated students—co-taught program math/science teachers
Middle level program (grades 6, 7, 8) Late elementary program (grades 4-5Total of 103 programs at 81 schools
throughout state of Illinois
IMSA FUSION Partnership Agreement
IMSA Partner SchoolsProfessional Development for Educators and Administrators
2 teachers who attend PD and deliver program to students for 64 hours
Curriculum and Materials needed to do out of school program
Funding to pay the teachers and minimal participation fee
Online Communication: emails and online feedback forms
Weekly feedback on field programs and program materials
Evaluation of Impact of the program Access to classrooms and in some cases student data
Extra Perks: Field Trips, Webinars, The WALL, parent nights, marketing support
Support and Sustaining the School Partnership with Professional
Learning“I Do, We Do, You Do” Model of Professional Development
Face to face Professional Development for teachers and administrators
Practice activities and explanations as part of the PD Support in delivering the content to the students.
POP Symposiums Educator Presentations Administrative Discussions New Content and Skill development for the individual
teachers.
Challenges to Partnership with Schools
• Change in leadership at schools and districts leading to change in focus
• Lack of resources• School Culture on of
“catching up” instead of “moving forward”
Evidence of a good partnerships:81 schools statewide (103 programs), 97% are returning sites with 28% being in the program 5+years185 educators, 71% returners, 21% 5+yearsEvidence of Impact of Program on Teachers: 94% reported increase in application of STEM concepts and
integration Evidence of Impact of Program for Students: 2893 students, 62% low income, 56% URPHigh School Transcript Data Study
Outcomes of a Successful FUSION Partnership
Thank you for your time!
How to contact me for additional information….
Michelle [email protected]
630-907-5879