3 Manchester Schools STEM Certified By State Dept. Of Ed.
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Staff Report-
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Friday announced 13 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This brings Indiana’s total number of STEM Certified Schools to more than 100 statewide.
Among those 13 are three Manchester schools: Manchester Elementary School, Manchester Intermediate School and Manchester Junior/Senior High School.
A news release from Manchester Community Schools states, “MCS embraces the importance of STEM education at all levels. From the time our students enter kindergarten, we refer to them as practicing scientists and engineers. Our teachers provide authentic project and inquiry based learning opportunities, rooted in scientific and engineering processes and skills that spark curiosity and wonder.
“We are fortunate to have access to outdoor learning spaces including nature trails and greenhouses; well-equipped science and technology labs; robust extracurricular activities such as Science Olympiad, Robotics and FFA; and opportunities for STEM career exploration through field trips and internships. We are also blessed to live in a community that encourages and supports STEM education.”
Elementary STEM Specialist Joel Eichenauer said, “This STEM certification puts an official stamp of approval on what we (students, parents and myself) already knew: STEM education is important, memorable, foundational, inspirational and much more. The learning taking place at MES and all of MCS is motivating students to learn more. By being curious, asking good questions, and noticing the world around them, students are laying the framework for all future careers, hobbies and passions.”
“Indiana’s STEM Certified Schools are leaders in ensuring students are building employability, critical thinking and problem solving skills,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “While occupations in STEM-related fields continue to grow, we know that the foundational skills developed through STEM education will benefit students regardless of their chosen career path. Through a focus on STEM disciplines, these schools are preparing Indiana’s future leaders to tackle tomorrow’s greatest challenges both in life and the workplace.”
Created in 2015, the STEM Certified Schools program recognizes schools focused on a commitment to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom. STEM Certified Schools exemplify a highly non-traditional approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts, and out-of-school STEM activities, according to a news release from the IDOE.
Each of these 13 schools completed a rigorous application and review process, which must be repeated every five years to remain certified, according to the release.
