School Partnerships K-12 Schools as Partners Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy Office of Professional Field
Services March 6, 2012
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IMSA: Our Mission The mission of the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy, the worlds 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.
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IMSAs Two Legislative Charges Residential High School Program A
world class high school powerhouse for inspiring, challenging and
nurturing talented students who will use their exceptional
abilities to improve peoples lives. Professional Field Services
Provide research-based, practice proven programs to transform
mathematics and science education across Illinois and beyo nd.
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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
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IMSA Core Competency Design and implement teaching and learning
experiences that are: Competency-driven (rigorous) Inquiry-based
(student-centered) Problem-centered (relevant) Integrative (within
and among disciplines)
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What is STEM to IMSA? 1.Content: What are the facts? 1.Skill
Development 1.Scientific Inquiry Skills 2.21 st Century Skills 3.
Development of Learners to be confident users of content and
generators of their own knowledge
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IMSAs Office of Professional Field Services Statewide Student
Initiatives Statewide Educator Initiatives IMSA FUSION
Problem-Based Learning Network (PBLN) Field Office
Collaborations
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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
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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
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IMSA School Partnership Programs Problem Based Learning Network
Teaching Inquiry Pilot Program FUSION
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After-school STEM enrichment program for talented, motivated
studentsco-taught program math/science teachers Middle level
program (grades 6, 7, 8) Late elementary program (grades 4-5 Total
of 103 programs at 81 schools throughout state of Illinois
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IMSA FUSION Partnership Agreement IMSAPartner Schools
Professional 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
programAccess to classrooms and in some cases student data Extra
Perks: Field Trips, Webinars, The WALL, parent nights, marketing
support
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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.
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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
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Evidence of a good partnerships: 81 schools statewide (103
programs), 97% are returning sites with 28% being in the program
5+years 185 educators, 71% returners, 21% 5+years Evidence 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% URP High School
Transcript Data Study Outcomes of a Successful FUSION
Partnership
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Thank you for your time! How to contact me for additional
information. Michelle Kolar [email protected] 630-907-5879
