Enhancing STEM Professional Development: Strategies for Success
In Charlotte County Public Schools (CCPS), a strong emphasis is placed on STEM education from an early age. With STEM labs in all 10 elementary schools, students are exposed to hands-on learning and exploration of STEM careers starting as early as kindergarten. Despite these initiatives, fifth graders in CCPS faced challenges on the Florida Statewide Science Assessment. Additionally, there was a lack of a defined STEM curriculum that was consistently applied across all elementary STEM labs.
To address these issues, CCPS applied for a Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant from the Florida Department of Education. In 2015-16, the grant was awarded to fund the “STEM Education Enhancement (SEE) for Student Success!” project.
Train-the-Trainer Model
As part of the SEE project, STEM lab teachers from each elementary school participated in a train-the-trainer model of professional development (PD). This involved nine full days of training throughout the school year. Furthermore, all 10 teachers were provided with the STEMscopes™ online curriculum and hands-on exploration kits.
Through the MSP grant project, teachers at CCPS improved their instructional capabilities and confidence in STEM, leading to positive outcomes in both STEM labs and classrooms.
Lessons Learned and Effective Strategies
1. Empower Teachers through Choice
One key lesson learned was the importance of giving teachers a say in their professional development. By allowing teachers to have input on the topics covered in each training session, they felt more empowered and engaged. This approach ensured that the PD was tailored to their specific needs, leading to a more impactful learning experience.
2. Foster Collaboration and Community
The nine days of on-site PD facilitated a strong sense of community among STEM lab teachers at CCPS. The collaboration and sharing of ideas during the training sessions, both in person and online, created a supportive environment for professional growth. Teachers left each session energized and motivated to implement their new knowledge and skills in their schools.
3. Deepen Understanding of Standards
A key goal of the grant project was to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) for Science. Through frank discussions and hands-on activities, teachers were able to uncover misconceptions and identify the most important aspects of each standard. This in-depth exploration of the standards enhanced teachers’ ability to effectively teach them to students.
4. Model Effective Instructional Strategies
In addition to enhancing content knowledge, the grant project aimed to expand teachers’ use of inquiry-based instructional strategies. By modeling the 5E inquiry model during PD sessions, teachers gained valuable insights into engaging students and delivering effective STEM instruction. This hands-on approach helped teachers become more comfortable with implementing the 5E model in their own labs.
Impact on Teacher Effectiveness and Student Achievement
An evaluation of the MSP project conducted by Dr. Laura Frost of Florida Gulf Coast University revealed positive changes in teachers’ knowledge and skills in STEM. The Science Teacher Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI) survey showed improvements in teacher confidence and effectiveness following the training.
Teacher buy-in and excitement were evident in various ways, from presentations at faculty meetings to increased usage of online STEM resources. Student achievement on the Florida Statewide Science Assessment also showed improvement, with fifth graders’ proficiency rate increasing from 50% in 2014-15 to 53% in 2016-17, surpassing the state average.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to the MSP grant, CCPS teachers now feel equipped to deliver high-quality, standards-based STEM education. The training and curriculum provided the necessary tools for teachers to effectively implement STEM instruction, leading to increased student engagement and achievement.
In conclusion, the success of the “STEM Education Enhancement for Student Success!” project at CCPS highlights the importance of targeted professional development in enhancing STEM education. By empowering teachers, fostering collaboration, deepening understanding of standards, and modeling effective instructional strategies, schools can create a supportive environment for both teachers and students to excel in STEM education.
