COMMUNITY PARTNERS and DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

Every new day for learning confirms that STEAM at Oliver Middle School:

- provides structure and opportunities for literacy

- requires investigation - explains how the students understand the learning process

- offers guidance

- provides engagement - student's attention of the process how to learn to do something new, the way they learn best.

A key for this to take place... to communicate with the community partners prior to lesson planning to get everyone's ideas and thoughts together. And to address different ways of learning!

When I see the students struggling with the learning process during these activities -- I must engage even more with the community partner to guide him/her in shifting gears. STEAM represents those gears, that unite all ideas = Engineering Design Process, developing Problem Solving Skills and improving Critical Thinking.

The presence of Maritza González, Ph.D., MNPS Executive Director for Equity & Diversity, Division of Teaching & Learning was a plus in the classroom.

She witnessed STEAM at its highest level:

* Two community partners at the same time (Studio NPL and Scientist in the Classroom) -- both integrated their know how to benefit our students - A scientist and two technicians uniting their might!

* She perceived the diversity of students in the classroom.

* She shared the respect she has for teachers - realizing all the effort required to face the variety of challenges in today's learning process -- and highlighting how effective this process can be when community partners are a part of the learning structure.

Thank you for your support!

Yes, everything being done, providing success in the classroom can only happen if my commitment as an educator, supported by the administration and the community partners is a reality.

Our experiences reconfirm... STEAM and Community Partners are needed in all school districts, in all classrooms because everyone benefits.