ST1.2

Students work independently and collaboratively in an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages finding creative solutions to authentic and complex problems.

Self-Assessment Rating: 3.6

At Mater Academy, problem-solving, collaboration, technology integration, and project-based learning are at the very heart of our STEM curriculum philosophy. Mater Academy uses the College Board’s Springboard Program as its primary curriculum. This rigorous pre-AP curriculum serves as the backbone of our educational philosophy. Research-based SpringBoard strategies emphasize collaboration and higher-order thinking and reasoning skills in Mathematics and Language Arts classes starting in 6th grade. As several Mater Academy teachers are National SpringBoard Trainers and Mater Academy serves as the face of SpringBoard as a National Demonstration School, we have extended the robust SpringBoard strategies into all subject areas through teacher training and cross-curricular collaboration.

Additionally, Mater Academy is a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) school offering project-based courses such as PLTW’s Medical Detectives, Design and Modeling, Robotics, and App Creators courses at the middle school level as well as Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Introduction to Biomedical Engineering courses at the high school level.

These robust programs with their emphasis on problem-solving and the engineering design process challenge students to think critically and apply knowledge to solve real-world problems, but they are only possible through the collaboration of teachers through common planning periods, quarterly STEM team meetings, and regular professional development.

Always striving to grow, Mater Academy has expanded its technological capacity by partnering with Verizon and Digital Promise to become a Verizon Innovative Learning School. This grant has allowed our middle school to be a complete 1:1 school with iPads for every middle school student. Although the partnership was originally for two years, Mater is now entering its 3rd year of the partnership by receiving an extension grant. Technology integration has now become a part of our school culture. Mater Academy is now a Google School and more than half of our middle school teachers have earned or are in the process of earning Apple Teacher Designation.

Beyond the classroom, students find creative solutions to authentic and complex problems. For example, our Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student organization teaches our students how to engage in the business world through formal presentations, electronic career portfolios, business plans, and through industry certifications. Students who have been certified in Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) have been able to use their skills in academic institutions such as the University of Florida in order to qualify as a Teaching Assistant. In addition, students who have been certified in Adobe Illustrator have moved on to work professionally in the Graphic Design and Marketing fields. Those students who have completed the three levels of Accounting and have successfully passed their QuickBooks certification have been able to use their knowledge and skills to work for businesses under their Accounting department as well as to offer credibility to their prospective employer as a highly-qualified employee with proficient training and experience with the software.

3D Design and Modeling students created a foot orthosis for someone with cerebral palsy. These creative and innovative solutions encourage students to investigate, research, and offer a ground-breaking solution to a real-world problem. Finally, our newest industry certification course combines both technology, collaboration, independent work, and creativity. Animation 101 is our latest course using the ToonBoom program to introduce students to the world of digital animation. From learning the program to earning industry certification to creating their own animated worlds, we are excited to be able to provide our students with these amazing opportunities to challenge themselves. These learning experiences are both relevant, part of differentiated instruction, and applicable to our students both in the classroom and beyond.