Tacoma Public Schools’ Science and Math Institute (SAMI) and Stewart Middle School are among five schools and one district name Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Lighthouse Schools that will serve as STEM mentors for other schools in the state.
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These STEM Lighthouse schools and district each received a $20,000 grant award to help them promote and develop STEM education, including technical assistance and advice for other middle schools and high schools that are creating their own STEM environments, according an Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) press release.
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The five schools and one district are: |
- Science and Math Institute (Tacoma)
- Stewart Middle School (Tacoma)
- Eastmont Junior High School (Eastmont School District)
- Secondary Academy for Success (Northshore)
- Toppenish High School (Toppenish)
- Odessa School District
“I congratulate all the lighthouse schools,” said Randy Dorn, state superintendent. “Each of them is taking a leadership role in STEM education and will serve as great models for the rest of the state.”
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STEM Lighthouse schools originated in 2010 with the Legislature’s passage of House Bill 2621.The bill directs OSPI to designate as many as three middle and three high schools each year as lighthouse schools. The schools “serve as resources and examples of how to combine the following best practices:
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- Small, highly personalized learning communities;
- An interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM), delivered through a project-based instructional approach; and
- Active partnerships with businesses and the local community to connect learning beyond
the classroom.”
In 2011, two schools and one district were awarded Lighthouse grants: Aviation High School (Highline School District), Komachin Middle School (North Thurston) and Mead School District.
For more information on STEM Lighthouse schools, contact Nathan Olson, OSPI communications manager, at 360-725-6015.