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Three Gary schools reach STEM certification threshold; district reports improved spring 2024 science results
Summary
School leaders told the board that Beverage Elementary, Glen Park Academy and Bailey STEAM Academy met STEM certification rubric thresholds and that student performance improved on the spring 2024 three-dimensional science standards and computer-adaptive tests compared with spring 2023.
School leaders reported to the Gary Community School Corporation board that three district schools have met the state STEM certification rubric and that student achievement on the new three-dimensional science standards showed measurable improvement from spring 2023 to spring 2024.
Dr. Banks, principal of Beverage Elementary, said the STEM certification process is multi-year and requires meeting a rubric; she reported that the district’s three schools met the minimum points needed (the presenters cited a 54-of-63 rubric minimum) and completed the required site visit rubric (an additional 15-point review).
Mister Rhodes and other presenters explained that the spring 2023 assessments were based on the older iLearn science standards and included performance tasks and extended written responses, while the spring 2024 tests reflect the new three-dimensional standards and are computer adaptive. Presenters said the alignment between the district’s STEM implementation (engineering design processes, computer programming, robotics and Project Lead The Way activities) and the 2024 standards contributed to higher proportions of students in the 'approaching' and 'at/above' proficiency categories.
Board members asked whether teachers receive individual STEM certification; presenters clarified that certification is school/site based rather than granted to each teacher, but that some teachers and administrators have taken available certification courses.
