Introducing ... The EDGE Program
Several years ago I had a big idea: I wanted to infuse the curriculum and instruction at PAMS with STEM-based units of study. I introduced the idea to my leadership team and to other teachers, but the idea did not gain a lot of traction or interest. So I concluded the time wasn’t right, and tabled the idea.
This fall a group of teachers joined me at a state conference in Williamsburg. Two of them, who saw a presentation given by a school in Staunton, VA, tracked me down after the session. They were on fire with an idea for a new kind of middle school team that focused on project-based learning and STEM curriculum. They said they were willing to do anything they needed to do to make this happen, including teach something other than what they were teaching now, especially because they strongly believed it would be great for kids. When a principal encounters teachers who have that much enthusiasm for transforming what they do, and he believes it is the right thing for kids, he should get on board and make it happen. Suddenly my big idea from a couple of years ago was being joined to their big idea. The concept for the EDGE (Explore, Design, Generate, Engineer) Academy was born.
On Thursday, March 19, Princess Anne Middle School will unveil the details of the EDGE Academy, a new 7th grade team that will be grounded in project-based learning with the goal of building STEM proficiency in our students. For the first year, the concept will be piloted through one team with the goal of expanding to four teams at two grade levels the following year. Below is an overview of what the EDGE team will look like:
What Is EDGE?
The EDGE Academy is an interdisciplinary middle school team that integrates technology competencies, and a carefully constructed STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) curriculum with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Using the engineering design process and project-based instruction, students will learn content and skills defined in state and local standards, but also will develop technology expertise, and problem solving, critical thinking, and other global skills in a highly student-centered and student-directed learning environment.
Why STE(A)M?
According to US News and World Report, STEM education is the key to the economic future of the U.S. (June 15, 2012). The National Science + Math Initiative points out that “Of the 20 fastest growing careers, 15 of them require a background in math or science.” At the same time, modern thinkers like Daniel Pink tout the importance of developing right-brained skills for future success (A Whole New Mind). Our goal is to prepare our students for their future by developing both their creative and technical skills using established curricula as a vehicle.
Model and Approach
The EDGE Academy is a whole day instructional program. Students will attend an interdisciplinary language arts and social studies block, a science and technology block, two electives, and a math class. The schedule design will be unique from other seventh grade teams. The approach to teaching and learning will include the following:
The Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve)
Arts-infused STEM curriculum
Problem-based learning
Project-based instruction
Standards-based assessment and grading, also called mastery learning
Interdisciplinary units of study
Flipped learning to support on site application and student-centered activity
A focus on global skills (critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, literacy, social responsibility, and global awareness)
Software-based recovery and enrichment, especially in mathematics
Instruction in web-based and application-based software and production tools
Instruction in coding and other design processes to support student-developed products ready for the marketplace
Who Are EDGE Students?
EDGE Academy students are students who:
are comfortable working in varied and different ways
enjoy challenges and solving problems
enjoy collaborating with others
are curious thinkers who love to look for answers
are willing to seek help and use feedback
are willing to take risks, learn from mistakes, and keep trying.
Admissions
For 2015-2016, admission to the EDGE Academy will be offered to all rising 7th grade students. For the first year the Academy will consist of 105-115 7th graders. Plans are in place to expand the Academy to other grade levels as well as to broaden its availability at each grade level.
Students will apply for admission by submitting a student interest form. Applicants will be screened for an interview. Applications will be due by April 3, 2015.
Selection for the EDGE Academy will ensure the membership mirrors the overall demographics of the school. If more than 110 qualified students request admission, a lottery will be held.