Attribute 9.1
collaboration in network of schools
Prepared: School/program leadership participates annually in a face-to-face or at least quarterly in an active, online network of schools or school leaders which addresses STEM education issues.
STEM meetings are held each month at Hendersonville Elementary. During the meetings, the STEM coach, Susan Newman, leads discussions focused on action steps to increase participation in the STEM pipeline, collaboration between STEM schools, improving STEM instruction (focus on NC Attribute Rubric), building community partnerships, allocating funds and best practices being utilized at each school. Members attending the meetings always include the STEM Coach, Principal, STEM teachers, STEM Coaches from each school, and occasionally administration, community, and other district leaders.
Weekly, the principal collaborates with the principal from Fletcher Elementary regarding STEM topics. Recently, they discussed ideas for the career fair. Monthly, elementary principals meet and address education issues including STEM. Some of the issues discussed are use of Chromebooks, one-to-one initiative, and increasing the participation of female students. The discussions provide support, understanding, and resources relating to these topics.
Every year HES teachers and leadership take a road trip to visit another school within the State to share STEM education issues. This year we visited Patriot STEM Elementary to meet, observe and discuss our STEM programs. Other schools that we have collaborated STEM programs includes -Estes Elementary, Rutherfordton Elementary and Providence Spring Elementary School in Charlotte, NC.
STEM Coach Meeting Members
Below is an example of principal notes typed during one of the weekly meetings.
Kerry Stewart- Principal at HES
Susan Newman- STEM Specialist
Example of Coaches Meeting Notes
Notes are typed on a google document and shared with all members to access when needed.
Allyson Gooch- Hendersonville High School STEM Teacher
Below is an email from the Henderson County Director of School Learning and Leadership Development providing an opportunity for our school to participate in an engineering program through NC State University.
Chris English- Blue Ridge Community College
Hugh Price- Hendersonville Middle School STEM Teacher
To the right in an email showing our partnership with Patriots STEM Elementary.
