May 4, 2011
STEM Summer Institute for middle school students
The College of Education has partnered with Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 on a U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity Educational Partnership. The competitive grant, awarded for $677,000, is through the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes.
The grant will fund 21st Century Mind Adventures, a program to raise student achievement levels and increase enrollments in science, engineering, technology and math -- or STEM -- pathways. It will provide extended-day tutoring for academically at-risk students and give teachers intensive professional development in contextual learning. The primary goal is to increase student achievement in grades 6-9 in the science, technology, engineering and math areas while focusing on the latest classroom technology. Activities are planned for both after school and at summer institutes.
Enter the College of Education. The college has partnered with the district to provide a STEM Summer Institute on the K-State campus. This project will bring around 200 USD 383 6-9th grade students to campus this summer in June to participate in STEM learning activities. These students will enroll through the USD 383 school they attend. The students will enjoy a variety of field trips and experiences on and off campus.
As a collaborating partner in the project, the college will be host to USD 383 teachers and staff, as well as the students. Secondary education preservice teachers will be collaborating with the teachers as part of their required field experiences.
Ongoing professional development, including teacher support and skill enhancement, will be provided through the grant. An additional partner is the Center for Occupational Research and Development in Waco, Texas.
The partnership program provides information and support to increase understanding of the special needs of military children, as well as academic support to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for military children. The program's aim is to enhance the education of military students, but funds may be used to raise student achievement for all students.
For further information, contact Tim Frey at tfrey@k-state.edu or 532-5900.