School PartnershipsK-12 Schools as Partners

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

Office of Professional Field Services

March 6, 2012

IMSA: Our MissionThe mission of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy®, the world’s 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.

IMSA’s Two Legislative Charges

Residential High School ProgramA world class high school powerhouse for inspiring,

challenging and nurturing talented students who will use their exceptional abilities to improve

people’s lives.

Professional Field ServicesProvide research-based, practice proven programs

to transform mathematics and science education across Illinois and beyond.

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

IMSA Core CompetencyDesign and implement teaching and learning

experiences that are:

Competency-driven (rigorous) Inquiry-based (student-centered) Problem-centered (relevant) Integrative (within and among

disciplines)

What is STEM to IMSA?1. Content: What are the facts?

2. Skill Development 1. Scientific Inquiry Skills2. 21st Century Skills

3. Development of Learners to be confident “users of content” and “generators of their own knowledge”

IMSA’s Office of

Professional Field Services

Statewide Student Initiatives

Statewide Educator

Initiatives

IMSA FUSION

Problem-Based Learning Network (PBLN)

Field Office Collaborations

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

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”

IMSA School Partnership Programs

Problem Based Learning Network

Teaching Inquiry Pilot Program

FUSION

After-school STEM enrichment program for talented, motivated students—co-taught program math/science teachers

Middle level program (grades 6, 7, 8) Late elementary program (grades 4-5Total of 103 programs at 81 schools

throughout state of Illinois

IMSA FUSION Partnership Agreement

IMSA Partner SchoolsProfessional 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 program Access to classrooms and in some cases student data

Extra Perks: Field Trips, Webinars, The WALL, parent nights, marketing support

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.

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”

Evidence of a good partnerships:81 schools statewide (103 programs), 97% are returning sites with 28% being in the program 5+years185 educators, 71% returners, 21% 5+yearsEvidence 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% URPHigh School Transcript Data Study

Outcomes of a Successful FUSION Partnership

Thank you for your time!

How to contact me for additional information….

Michelle Kolarmkolar@imsa.edu

630-907-5879