ST1.3
Students are empowered to personalize and self-direct their STEM learning experiences supported by STEM educators who facilitate their learning.
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Self-Assessment Rating: 3
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At the start of the school year, teachers create and distribute learning contracts to all students outlining their expectations and also connecting them to all their digital resources including Google Classroom, SpringBoard Digital Notebooks, PLTW Digital Notebooks, Remind, Kahoot, Quizlet, USATestPrep, Microsoft Office programs, Algebra Nation, and Khan Academy accounts.
School-wide, 60% of our teachers use Google Classroom to push and collect student work and assignments. 29% of our teachers intend to use Google Classroom this school year. Digital platforms such as Google Classroom, Social Media, and our teacher-specific Mater web-pages allow for students to manage and track their assignments, due dates, and learning.
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Students in PLTW Design and Modeling classes use the engineering design process to create digital 3D images and 3D printed objects that solve a real-world problem. VEX Robotics students are challenged to build robots from scratch that are required to do a specific set of movements. Students in Digital Art and Design classes use technology to create their own personalized images centered around general themes.
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Sample Student Google Classroom
Teachers Currently Using Google Classroom
Other Resources Students Frequently Use
The mission of Mater Academy is to empower students to be confident, self-directed, life-long learners. In order to create learning experiences for students that are personalized and student-centered, Mater Academy has adopted an expectation and culture of active learning, differentiated instruction, and technology integration. The traditional “chalk and talk” lessons have been substituted with Socratic circles, differentiated instruction stations, cooperative learning groups, and teacher-guided discussions.
More examples of student self-directed and teacher-facilitated activities that Mater Academy students engage in on a regular basis include Science Fair projects, research papers, AP Capstone projects, AP Computer Science performance tasks, AP Studio Art portfolios, and SECME challenges such as Robotic Hand, Bottle Rockets, and Mouse Trap Cars. These activities are completed both in the classroom and beyond the school day allowing students to engage in the engineering design process to create their own solutions to real-world problems.