WHY STEM?

Our Story

What makes a STEM education unique?

Waukesha STEM Academy Performance Report

Student Achievement Data

Life @ STEM

Partners & Projects

Funding & Finances

ISSUE 1 2012 VOLUME 1

Report Performance

CHECK US OUT!

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 1

MISSION: ENGAGE, INSPIRE and EMPOWER a community of learners in THINKING, INNOVATING, COLLABORATING and

CREATING…for the future!

VISION: Prepare the most innovative leaders to collaboratively create the future.

Vis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Story:………………………………………………………...2

-Waukesha STEM Academy…a Charter School…....2

-WSA Learning Design Process………………..…….…2

Why STEM?:……………………………………………………..3

-WSA Strategic Objectives……………………….……...3

What Makes STEM Education Unique?........................4

Performance Indicators:…………………………………..…..5

-Student Achievement Data-MAP………………….....5

-EXPLORE Test / ACT………………………………………6

-STEM Student Career Preference Report / WKCE…7

Perception Data:………………………………………………..8

-STEM / Student / Parent Surveys……………………..8

-Parent Surveys…………………………………………….9

STEM Community:………………………………………………….10

-Profile of Students……………………………………………..10

-Enrollment and Lottery……………………………….……..10

Student Demographics…………………………………………….11

WSA Staff and Governance Board……………………………..12

Partners and Projects………………………………………………13

WSA Instructional Models:……………………………………….14

-Personalized Learning………………………………………..14

-Instructional Concept/Model………………………………..15

Funding…………………………………………………………………15

Inspirational Quotes From Students and Parents……………16

WSA Contact Information………………………………………….17

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 2

Our Story

K-8 STEM CHARTER SCHOOL

The Waukesha STEM Academy (WSA) is a K-8 charter school that inspires over 800 students to become active participants in learning. The school is designed around a S.T.E.M. curriculum brought to life with instructional strategies that engage minds! As a STEM school we have a curriculum focused on SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATH...or what we call the “WHAT” of STEM education. Equally important is our focus on the “HOW” of STEM, which we define as Strategies That Engage Minds! Together the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ come together to create a dynamic 21st century learning environment. The Waukesha STEM Academy is an instrumentality charter school in the School District of Waukesha. As one of over 200 charter schools in the state, WSA strives to meet its achievement goals as well as its role as a charter school. Charter schools

are public, non-religious and tuition free schools that have independence so they can be more innovative in their curriculum offerings, yet still provide a structured, disciplined learning environment and be held accountable for improved student achievement. Charter schools bring innovation to Wisconsin public schools and work to revitalize public education in our state. These schools serve students most in need and provide public educational options and opportunities to families throughout Wisconsin.

Our Mission:: ENGAGE, INSPIRE, and EMPOWER a community of learners in THINKING, COLLABORATING, INNOVATING, and CREATING...for the future! Our Vision: Vision: Prepare the most innovative leaders to collaboratively create the future.

“Strategies That Engage Minds (STEM)” = A personalized learning approach that brings 21st century knowledge and skills to life through the integration and application of learning. WSA Learning Design Process: ENGAGE… active participation is necessary for learning... (rigor and relevance) THINK… Think critically, problem solve, evaluate, analyze, adapt! COLLABORATE… Teams and partnerships are essential to learning and change! INNOVATE… We all must learn, unlearn, and relearn! Create a new ‘mental model’! CREATE… Innovation and continuous systems change will create our future!

To learn more about charter schools visit: www.wicharterschools.org

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 3

“If you give people tools, and they use their natural ability and curiosity, they will develop things in ways that will surprise you very much beyond what you might have expected”

Bill Gates

STEM Is The Future! STEM learning is an economic imperative. Experts say that technological innovation accounted for almost half of U.S. economic growth over the past 50 years, and almost all of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in STEM. Yet our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM):

• In 2009, just 34 percent of U.S. 8th graders were rated proficient or higher in a national math assessment, and more than one in four scored below the basic level.

• In an international exam given to 15 year olds in 2009, U.S. high school students

• Ranked significantly behind 12 industrialized nations in science and 17 in math. Students in only 4 industrialized nations scored lower in math.

• Only 45 percent of U.S. high school graduates in 2011 were ready for college work in math and 30 percent were ready in science.

STEM literacy has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. It helps us make critical decisions about our health care, our finances and our retirement. It illuminates the ever more complex issues that govern the future of our democracy, and it reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.

A literate nation not only reads. It computes,

investigates and innovates.

WSA Strategic Objectives:

(Highest leverage points to hit our mission): Improve student performance through a focus on integration, application, and personalized learning. o Increase achievement o Integration and Application of

learning (STEaM) o Personalized Learning Initiative o Engage Learners o Commit to Vision and

Continuous “Systems Change”

“I like that we have science and engineering. It’s more fun and engaging than my old school.”

-WSA Student

For more information, click the link

Why STEM?

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1

Learning Outside the School Walls JA Finance Park -8th Grade

Designing & Exhibiting Innovations (L) Project Lead the Way Energy Alternatives (R) Displaying designs for a new Harley Davidson tank

Great Question! What is it about a STEM school that makes it different than all of the other schools around us? Is it the curriculum? Is it the way the school is built? Is it the way that the students are learning? Quite often, when people hear about a STEM school, they focus on the

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. While these are crucial in every student’s educational plan, these are topics and curriculum pieces that are staples in the diet of a global education. When we look at the STEM philosophy, however, we see it as a much deeper passion for learning and for this reason, we have truly unpackaged a STEM education to mean Strategies That Engage Minds.

When students enter the Waukesha STEM Academy, they are entering a world of exploration, inquiry-based learning and the hands-on creation of new ideas. The days of a teacher being “the sage on the stage” are long gone and are just not effective in preparing our young learners for the jobs of tomorrow. The staff at the Waukesha STEM Academy serves as guides for student learning and truly helps facilitate very exciting and engaging activities, both in and out of the classroom. From designing, drafting and creating motorcycle handlebars, to devising an alternative energy source for the cities of the future, to brainstorming marketing ideas for products at Miller Park, our students are constantly being challenged to solve the problems of the world and collaboratively create solutions.

Fostering students’ understanding that they are in control of their education and creating a sense of ownership in their success, creates a drive to learn and progress further and further each day. As young learners understand that what they are doing in school is much more than “school work” and is actually tied to real-world situations, they begin to work collaboratively to develop 21st Century Skills, or the Essential Skills required to be job-ready and an effective leader in our ever-changing planet. Along with the necessary skills to be a leader for positive change in this world, we are also seeing students advocate for themselves like never before by truly recognizing what type of education is best for them. By having the opportunity for an anytime-anywhere mode of learning, such as computer-based modules and project-based learning that is personalized for each student, they are able to clearly articulate which learning styles and modalities are most effective for them and why. Every student is given the opportunity to become engaged in large group settings, as well as individual self-paced environments, in order to demonstrate true mastery of the learning targets we are focused on.

What Makes STEM Education Unique?

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 5

Performance Indicators

Student Achievement Data Student achievement data can used to drive instruction and continuously reflect on and improve instructional practices.

Uses of Data:

• Analyze data in multi-disciplinary teams

• Use student work to group students appropriately for strategic or intensive instruction (flexible grouping)

• Explicitly decide when to “"re-do", "review", or "re-teach"

• Facilitate multi-disciplinary group discussions of data for

instructional planning and next-practice development

• Make the ongoing use of data part of the school’s culture to ensure growth

Student Achievement Data: MAP

NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is an on-line assessment in reading and math that teachers and other professionals use to determine a child’s instructional levels, academic growth and other information that can help to improve teaching and learning. MAP testing is a computerized adaptive assessment that allows teachers to see their students as individuals – each with their own base of knowledge. MAP tests

present students with engaging, age-appropriate content. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. The result is a rewarding experience for the student, and a wealth of detailed information for teachers, parents and administrators. MAP testing is administered three times a year and progress is tracked and compared to a nationally referenced norm. Testing in the fall allows us to set individualized learning goals for each student and a point of reference for spring testing scores.

“I greatly exceeded my MAPS testing goal!”

- WSA Student - (Age 9)

Shown below are results from testing events during our first two years as the STEM Academy.

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT…

WWW.NWEA.ORG

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 6

The EXPLORE program is a curriculum-based assessment program designed to help 8th- and 9th-grade students gain an understanding of their readiness for college, make the most of their opportunities in high school and beyond, and guide them as they start thinking about future educational and career planning. Like all the assessment programs offered by ACT, EXPLORE is based on the belief that young people- and their parents, teachers, counselors, and school administrators- will make more productive plans and decisions if they have organized, relevant information available when they need it most.

The EXPLORE Test includes four 30-minute multiple-choice tests- English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. EXPLORE also collects information about students’ interests, needs, plans and selected background characteristics. For each of the four EXPLORE tests, the number of questions answered correctly is counted to obtain a raw score, which is then converted to a scale score. Scale scores for the four tests and the Composite range from a low of 1 to a high of 25. For more information on the EXPLORE test, visit the website: http://www.actstudent.org/explore/

College Readiness Standards Report This report displays how STEM students compare to the national percentage of students at or above the benchmark- STEM students are represented by the gray bars, while the national average is represented by the black bars. The last graph on the bottom of the image shows the total percentage at or above the benchmark in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science.

EXPLORE Test

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 7

This report displays STEM students’ career preferences- broken down into Two-Year or Four-Year vision. The Two-Year vision is represented by the gray bars; Four-Year vision is represented by the black bars. The career areas that are targeted in this report are Administration/Sales, Business Operations, Technical, Science/Technology, Arts and Social Service.

WKCEThe Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) is customized to measure the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards (WMAS).This standardized test is composed of items specifically designed for Wisconsin and a few commercially developed

questions used in schools across the country. Students in grades 3, 5, 6, and 7 take tests in Reading and Mathematics. Students in grades 4, 8, and 10 take tests in Reading, Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, Writing, and Social Studies. WKCE is administered to all the students enrolled in Wisconsin public schools

during the fall of each school year. The purpose of the WKCE is to provide information about student attainment of subject-area proficiency to students, parents, and teachers, information to support curriculum and instructional planning; and a measure of accountability for schools and districts.

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT…

WKCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

REGARDING THE READING, AND MATHEMATICS

PORTIONS OF THE WKCE TEST PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

READING: WKCE

READING MATH: WKCE MATH

SCIENCE: WKCE SCIENCE

STEM Student Career Preference Report

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1

STEM Surveys This section provides results from a perception survey that was given to WSA parents and students in the 2010-2011 and the 2011-2012 school years. The questions created were based off our STEM vision. We administered a perception survey because we are aware of the impact that engagement data has on a school environment. Data from this survey provides us with a leading indicator of future performance. Gallup research has demonstrated that student and teacher engagement is associated with future performance. For example, engaged students are more than twice as likely to outperform a comparison group of randomly selected students on standardized tests (Gallup, 2009). As reflective practitioners, we will continue to revisit the findings of these surveys and use the results to increase engagement of our students, provide a curriculum that is challenging, and help our students to feel and be successful. Alongside this, we will keep connecting with parents and WSA staff and use their input to define high expectations, pursue continuous improvement, and measure progress. References: Gallup (2009). Building engaged schools: A scientific method for improving school performance. Omaha, NE: Author

“It’s a lot more hands-on here. We get to work in groups. Our lessons are shorter, so we get more time to work and apply.” -WSA Student, Age 10

“In comparison to other schools in the area, the Waukesha STEM Academy is ahead of the curve.” -STEM Parent

Student Surveys As we enter an innovative time of education, student engagement is at the forefront. How are we providing real-life experiences for our students that challenge them and make them feel a sense of success? How is our instruction different and more effective?

“I wasn’t as engaged with traditional learning. At STEM I am more motivated to do my best work” - WSA Student, Age 9

“Days can end, learning cannot!”

- WSA Student

A student’s perception can make us pause and reflect on our teaching. What our students think and feel, drives the way we teach. • Level of engagement • Personal academic needs

being met • Feelings of success and being

challenged

Perception Data

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 9

Highlights

From 2010-2012 on average

o 80% of WSA students feel that their classes are challenging

o 85% of WSA students feel successful as a student

Gallup Poll: 2010 and 2011 The Gallup Student Poll is a landmark new measure that captures the youth voice, a critical but too often missing part of the national dialogue surrounding student performance and success. The Gallup Student Poll tracks the hope, engagement, and wellbeing of students in grades 6-12 across the United States. For more information visit Gallup Student Poll

Waukesha STEM Academy: Gallup Student Poll Results

Fall 2010

(6th & 7th)

Fall 2011

(6, 7 & 8th)

Hope

4.29/5

4.42/5

Engagement

4.06/5

4.07/5

Wellbeing

8.12/10

8.13/10

“Engineering is not just a job; it is a

creative way to explore.” - WSA student

Parent surveys addressed topics including:

• Their knowledge and awareness of what their child is learning

Highlights:

• 96% of parents agree that the educational program being taught to their child is of high quality.

• Their thoughts on the academic framework and delivery from the teachers

• Teacher and school expectations of their child

• 91% of parents agree that their children see a relationship between what they are studying and their everyday lives.

…Perception Data

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 10

The Waukesha STEM Academy strives to engage all teachers, administrators, students, and families in working together as a learning community that is dedicated to caring and support, active participation, and positive expectations for all students. We are building a community where all stakeholders feel included and valued for their unique contributions.

Profile of Students:As a charter school that holds an annual lottery, we are often asked the question; “Will my student be successful at STEM?” As a school that prides itself in reaching all students with instructional strategies that engage minds...we always answer ‘yes’, but we follow it with a question. Is your student ready to be a part of a 21st century learning environment where their role is to be an active participant (rather than a passive recipient)? What we mean is that students learn in a hands-on environment, where students take charge of their own learning in a collaborative environment. Students benefit from being able to be self-directed learners guided by teachers/facilitators. Our learners are 21st

century students who are able to effectively communicate in a personal and professional manner, show personal and social responsibility, be effective time managers, use appropriate technology in given situations, and be able to apply their learning to multiple situations.

Enrollment and Lottery:

The WSA is a choice school within the School District of Waukesha. Families from throughout the district can apply for their students to attend the WSA. Our facilities allow for enrollment of 84 students per grade in grades K through 5, and 112 students per grade in grades 6 through 8. Families apply for enrollment during the month of January for available spots the following school year. A lottery is held in early February

for the open positions and wait lists are maintained until the second day of school. For the first three years that the WSA has existed, applications have exceeded the available openings and a lottery has been required.

STEM Community

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 11

Student Demographics:

Reference: WINSS: Wisconsin Information Network for

Successful Schools

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 12

WSA Governance Board 2012:

Waukesha STEM

Academy Staff

2010-2011

Knowledgeable, innovative, and passionate staff is a key component of WSA and is vital to ensuring that all students have opportunities to think, learn, create, and succeed. The staff has completed training in project based learning, Children’s Engineering, Engineering is Elementary, Project Lead the Way, FOSS Science, and INTEL Math.

As an instrumentality charter school of the School District of Waukesha, The Waukesha Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy is a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation governed by an elected Board of Governance. The Waukesha STEM Academy Governance Board governs according to the Charter School Contract between the School District of Waukesha and The Waukesha Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy. Positions on the WSA Board are filled through a nomination and voting process. Nominations and length of term are determined by the governance board by-laws. The seven member WSA Governing Board has the autonomy, authority, and responsibility to uphold and monitor the mission and philosophy of the school and to enforce the policies, rules, and procedures of the school, and applicable School District of Waukesha policies in such areas as budgets, capital expenditures, human relations, curriculum, marketing facility management and fund-raising. The WSA Governing Board is the final arbiter of all WSA policies.

Service on the WSA Governing Board is a volunteer position and represents an impressive commitment of time, energy and support on the part of a remarkably talented and committed group of individuals. WSA’s Governance Board is a committed, involved, thoughtful, generous and cooperative group of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talent. You may contact the WSA Governance Board at STEMGovernanceBoard@waukesha.k12.wi.us

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 13

Partners and Projects

Parents and Families -volunteering

-learning support

-STEM Advocates

Waukesha Community -Retzer Nature Center

-Waukesha County Parks

-Waukesha County Recycling

University and Higher Education -Cardinal Stritch

-Carroll

-UW-Whitewater

-MSOE and MIT

Businesses Kohl's, CBS 58 Weather Station, Waukesha

Historical Society, DNR Trout Farm, JA BIZTOWN, Dennis sullivan at Discovery World, Harley Davidson Museum, SE Johnson, GE, JA Finance Park, JMBrennen, Miller Park, CH2M

HILL, Kindness Architecture

The Waukesha STEM Academy created a Partners and Projects initiative to strengthen our school community and enhance the educational experience. The goal is to link student, and school, learning experiences to careers and the community. Together this combination creates rich and meaningful learning experiences.

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 14

WSA Instructional

Models

Personalized learning and collaborative learning environments are two of WSA’s strategic objectives. We have partnered with The Institute @ CESA 1 on their efforts to understand and move toward a redesigned education system that facilitates personalized learning. By personalizing learning, we create a circumstance where we can take advantage of student strengths. When we have a deep understanding of each learner, we can determine the correct blend of learning modalities and strategies to ensure success for each student.

Personalized Learning: Personalized Learning is the tailoring of pedagogy, curriculum and learning support to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners.

“I’m learning at my own pace and it’s challenging.” - WSA Student (age 10)

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 15

-PBL -

Everyday Math

-CMP II -FOSS -EiE

-SEPUP -PLTW -GTT

STEM 1.0

-Hybrid Courses -Google

Apps -Student

Gmail -iA (indep. application

) -Connect

-ALEKS -IXL

STEM 2.0

-Proficiency

Based Structure

-Multi-Age -Flexible Hybrid

Courses -Rosetta

Stone -HS Math courses

STEM 3.0

Personalized Learning

System ....

and beyond!

www.futureofed.org

STEM 4.0

Instructional Concept/Model

The Waukesha STEM Academy opened its doors on September 1, 2010. The school was focused on designing and bringing forward an instructional program that was rich with STEM-centered curriculum and was delivered in a personalized 21st century classroom. As we move forward, we truly believe that STEM represents much more than the curriculum components, as it also nurtures Strategies That Engage Minds. Since each student is looked at on an individual basis, a personalized learning plan is developed for each student and therefore, we have created a plethora of resources to choose from in order to best reach the needs of every single student that we help grow. As can be seen across the world, students are coming into schools with such a wide variety of readiness levels, that a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective and is doing quite a disservice to our students. For this reason, responsive teaching is a must and we will not be satisfied until every single student at the Waukesha STEM Academy is successful!

Funding The Waukesha STEM Academy is a public charter school. The school is funded in a traditional fashion in alignment with the Waukesha School District budgeting process. Our per pupil allocation is the same as other district schools.

The initial start-up of the Waukesha STEM Academy was facilitated by the successful application for a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Charter Grant. The grant was for three years at $300,000 per year. This funding helped support the purchase of new/additional curriculum materials, technology, and most importantly professional development for our teaching staff.

As we go forward we hope to report out more specifics on our on-going financial picture as it relates to additional fundraising and grant applications.

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 16

Inspirational Quotes From Our WSA Students & Parents

“It’s a lot more hands-on here. We get to work in groups. Our lessons are shorter, so we get more time to work and apply.” - WSA Student, Age 10

“I love the hands on way of learning and watching

the students consistently engage in the engineering design loop” - STEM Parent “You’re not just sitting and listening all day. You’re

working with your teammates on projects.” - WSA Student, Age 11

“We have more freedom. We have direction from our teachers, but we have choices.” - WSA Student

“The fact that I have the ability to go off and create something keeps me engaged and focused.” - WSA Student, Age 13

“The twenty-first century style of learning at the

STEM Academy has accelerated

my son’s learning tremendously over

the last two years.”

- STEM Parent

WSA PERFORMANCE REPORT | Issue 1 17

www.waukeshastemacademy.com

WSA-Randall Campus K-5 114 South Charles St. Waukesha, WI 53186

262.970.2305

WSA- Saratoga Campus 6-8 130 Walton Avenue

Waukesha, WI 53186

262.970.2505

STEM Administration Chris Kluck, Principal Randall Campus Michael Leach, Principal Saratoga Campus STEM Governance Board Steve Shoppach, President Cheryl Gemignani, President-Elect Shelly Zinda, Treasurer Brad Heimlich, Secretary Tom Katte Rachel Stickles

WSA Performance Report

Waukesha STEM Academy is part of the School District of Waukesha.

Waukesha School District Administration

Waukesha School Board

STEM Campuses