ADE Commissioner Jacob Oliva
Jacob Oliva
Secretary | Read Bio 
Department of Education

Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education STEM Professional Learning Series

Memo Information

Memo Number
LS-23-035
Memo Date
12/20/2022
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Learning Services
Regulatory Authority
Response Required
NO
Attention
Assistant Superintendent; Principals; Gifted & Talented Coordinators; Curriculum Coordinators; CTE Coordinator (COOPs and regular school districts)

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

Memo Text

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announces the 2023 STEMinar series; a collection of virtual informational sessions for administrators, STEM teachers, and curriculum coordinators who want to include STEM teaching and learning experiences in schools. STEM teaching and learning is when science, technology, engineering, and math intentionally come together as STEM to present a rigorous, integrated approach to understanding and interacting with the world in which we live. STEM education provides equitable opportunities for students to engage in authentic experiences in the classroom that are linked to community, to occupations, and to the global world so that all students become STEM literate in their K-12 journey towards college and career readiness. The inclusion of integrated STEM in K-12 classrooms can narrow learning gaps, increase student interest, and develop 21st Century skills.

 

STEM/STEAM schools are encouraged to attend especially those that are interested in pursuing AR STEM Model School designation. The AR STEM Model Program connects Arkansas' STEM education system to Arkansas careers and career training opportunities. This model allows districts to evaluate the prioritization of student-focused STEM education in classrooms, schools, and the community.

 

AR STEM Model Program and related information are linked below.

AR STEM Model Program Web Page

 

Interested administrators, STEM teachers and curriculum coordinators are highly encouraged to sign-up to earn professional development credits through ESCWorks. See session information below. All sessions are held after school over Zoom.

 

 

Date/Time

Title of PD Session and Description

Presenters

ESCworks Session

January 11

 

3:00 - 4:15

Increase Student Engagement in STEM Practices Using Local Resources and Experts

Engaging students in STEM practices narrows learning gaps and increases interest. Regional and state-wide experts share resources to engage students in STEM practices, increase interest, and develop 21st Century skills. Mobile maker spaces, earthquake shake tables, Schoolyard Safaris, Habitat PenPals, Water Wonders and other environmental activities, Conservation Grants to fund field trips, schoolyard habitats, butterfly gardens, and outdoor classrooms, Stock Market Simulator, economic challenges and games, virtual zoo tours, experiences at children’s museums and more. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95320248963

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

Regional STEM informal educators across the state.

 

ESCworks # 491194

 

January 18

 

3:00 - 4:15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K-12 STEM Career Competencies: 21st Century Skills, Design Thinking, Media and Digital Literacy Career Competencies

Based on the K-8 STEM Career Competencies: Developing Foundational Skills for the Future of Work framework published by Stelar STEM Learning and Research Center, Dr. Tina Moore launches the series by discussing the importance of developing 21st Century skills in students who are needed to fill Arkansas STEM jobs now and in the future. Cassandra Barnett, Kirsten Wilson, and Sarah Burns will discuss media literacy, digital literacy, and design thinking. Learn how these STEM career competencies are aligned to AR Academic Standards. Saundra Lamberson will highlight how empathy plays a role in these competencies for teachers and students. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/97848652788 

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

Dr. Tina Moore - ADE Director of STEM/Computer Science Continuum

 

Cassandra Barnett - DESE Library Media Advisor

Kirsten Wilson - DESE eLearning Coordinator

 

Sarah Burns - DESE Fine Arts Program Advisor

 

Saundra Lamberson - DESE State STEM Specialist

ESCWorks # 491196

 

 

January 25

 

3:00 - 4:15

K-12 STEM Career Competencies: Systems Thinking, STEM Career Development, and Lifelong Learning

Based on the K-8 STEM Career Competencies: Developing Foundational Skills for the Future of Work  framework published by Stelar STEM Learning and Research Center, Dr. Tina Moore and Tammy Friend discuss systems thinking, STEM career development, and lifelong learning. Learn how these STEM career competencies are aligned to AR Academic Standards. Featuring STEM/CS/CTE career resource Learning Blade and Career Blade Arkansas for connecting local businesses to schools. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92648895866

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

Dr. Tina Moore - ADE Director of STEM/Computer Science Continuum

 

Tammy Friend - DESE G.U.I.D.E for Life Advisor

 

Michele Linch - Learning Blade Representative

ESCWorks #  491202

 

February 15

 

3:00 - 4:15

K-12 STEM Career Competencies: Artificial Intelligence, Computational Thinking, Cybersecurity, and Digital Citizenship

Based on the K-8 STEM Career Competencies: Developing Foundational Skills for the Future of Work  framework published by Stelar STEM Learning and Research Center, Patrick Sawatsky and Alex Moeller discuss artificial intelligence, computational thinking, cybersecurity, and digital citizenship STEM career competencies. Learn how these STEM career competencies are aligned to AR Academic Standards. Industry partners discuss how students can pursue apprenticeships/internships and earn industry certificates. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/95181213892

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

Patrick Sawatsky - DCTE STEM Coordinator

 

Alex Moeller - DESE Computer Science Specialist

 

Industry Representative - TBA

ESCWorks #  491204

 

February 22

 

3:00 - 4:15

K-12 STEM Career Competencies: Data Literacy and Dynamic Interdisciplinary Teaming

Based on the K-8 STEM Career Competencies: Developing Foundational Skills for the Future of Work  framework published by Stelar STEM Learning and Research Center, Dr. Tina Moore, Dr. Kevin Phelan, and Annice Steadman discuss data literacy and dynamic interdisciplinary teaming STEM career competencies. Learn how these STEM career competencies are aligned to AR Academic Standards. Featuring the AR Big Data Science program that uses NOAA data set curriculum for middle school classrooms. National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant opportunities for schools are included. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93972004535

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Dr. Tina Moore - ADE Director of STEM/Computer Science Continuum

 

Dr. Kevin Phelan -  Co-Director, Division of Clinical Anatomy, UAMS

 

Annice Steadman - Curriculum Integration Coordinator

Jennifer Fowler - Director of Arkansas NSF EPSCoR

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

ESCWorks #  491206

 

April 10

 

3:00 - 4:15

Outdoor Learning, Environmental Education, and Green Jobs

Outdoor learning engages students in STEM practices to develop 21st Century skills. Featuring Outdoor Learning Store, local environmental education experts and resources. Green Jobs Network with emphasis on AR green careers is included. Hear how the ALLPS School of Innovation, Fayetteville School District, has successfully implemented an outdoor learning program. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/92008316968

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

Shawn Flannigan - ALLPS English Teacher and Outdoor Learning Educator

 

Sophia Stephenson - Director of the AR Environmental Educators Association

 

Rob Beadel - Director of Project Learning Tree - AR Department of Forestry

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

 

 

ESCWorks #  491208

 

April 19

 

3:00 - 4:15

STEM Integration Professional Development Opportunities for K-12 Educators and STEM Internships/Camps for Students

Informal STEM educators, STEM Education Service Cooperative Specialists, and STEM Centers share STEM integration professional development opportunities for K-12 educators and STEM internships/camps for students. Featuring museums, state agencies, AR Game and Fish, state parks, AR Environmental Education Association, Economics Arkansas, and more. Connect via Zoom at  https://zoom.us/j/96074347524

 

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

Regional STEM informal  professional development providers - STEM ESC Specialists, STEM Centers

 

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

 

ESCWorks #  491211

 

 

April 20

 

3:00 - 4:15

AR STEM Model Program Informational Session

Schools interested in seeking a STEM Model School designation in 2023-24 are invited to attend this informational session to learn about the program, how to submit an agreement letter, and summer STEM integration professional development opportunities. Hear from AR STEM Model schools about their pathways to establishing and sustaining vibrant schoolwide STEM cultures. Connect via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/97459577726

Michele Snyder - DESE STEM Integration Specialist

 

STEM Model Core Team

 

Samantha Duchscherer - PLTW Grant Coordinator

ESCWorks #  491213

 

 

 

For more information, contact:

Michele Snyder, State STEM Integration Specialist

michele.snyder@ade.arkansas.gov

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